Serine protease inhibitors

ABSTRACT

Certain substituted oxadiazole, thiadiazole and triazole peptoids which are useful as inhibitors of serine proteases, are prepared in various embodiments using Grignard reagents and alkyllithium reagents and various aldehydes to make oxadiazole, thiadiazole and triazole peptoid alcohols, which are then oxidized to the desired keto products.

This application is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 08/985,298, filed Dec. 4, 1997, now abandoned which is a continuation-in-part of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 08/760,916, filed Dec. 6, 1996, now U.S. Pat. No. 5,861,380, which is a continuation-in-part of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 08/345,820, filed Nov. 21, 1994, now U.S. Pat. No. 5,618,792.

The present invention relates to certain substituted oxadiazole, thiadiazole and triazole peptoids which are useful as inhibitors of serine proteases.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The serine proteases are a class of enzymes which include elastase, chymotrypsin, cathepsin G, trypsin and thrombin. These proteases have in common a catalytic triad consisting of Serine-195, Histidine057 and Aspartic acid-102 (chymotrypsin numbering system). Human neutrophil elastase (HNE) is a proteolytic enzyme secreted by polymorphonuclear leukocytes (PMNs) in response to a variety of inflammatory stimuli. This release of HNE and its extracellular proteolytic activity are highly regulated and are normal, beneficial function sof PMNs. The degradative capacity of HNE, under normal circumstances, is modulated by relatively high plasma concentrations of a1-proteinase inhibitor (a1-PI). However, stimulated PMNs produce a burst of active oxygen metabolites, some of which (hypochlorous acid for example) are capable of oxidizing a critical methionine residue in a1-PI. Oxidized a1-PI has been shown to have limited potency as an HNE inhibitor and it has been proposed that alteration of this protease/antiprotease balance permits HNE to perform its degradative functions in localized and controlled environments.

Despite this balance of protease/antiprotease activity, there are several human disease states in which a breakdown of this control mechanism is implicated in the pathogenesis of the condition. Improper modulation of HNE activity has been suggested as a contributing factor in adult respiratory distress syndrome, septic shock and multiple organ failure. A series of studies also have indicated the involvement of PMNs and neutrophil elastase in myocardial ischemia-reperfusion injury. Humans with below-normal levels of a1-PI have an increased probability of developing emphysema. HNE-mediated processes are implicated in other conditions such as arthritis, periodontal disease, glomerulonephritis, dermatitis, psoriasis, cystic fibrosis, chronic bronchitis, atherosclerosis, Alzheimer's disease, organ transplantation, corneal ulcers, and invasion behavior of malignant tumors.

There is a need for effective inhibitors of HNE as therapeutic and as prophylactic agents for the treatment and/or prevention of elastase-mediated problems.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention provides compounds which are useful as serine protease inhibitors, including human neutrophil elastase. These compounds are characterized by their relatively low molecular weight, high potency and selectivity with respect to HNE. Additionally, certain compounds of the invention have demonstrated oral bioavailability as exhibited by their higher blood levels after oral dosing. Oral bioavailability allows oral dosing for use in chronic disease, with the advantages of self-administration and decreased cost over other means of administration. The compounds described herein can be used effectively to prevent, alleviate or otherwise treat disease states characterized by the degradation of connective tissue by proteases in humans.

The present invention provides compounds comprising oxadiazole, thiadiazole or triazole ring structures, and can be generically described by the formula:

wherein Z is a serine protease binding moiety, preferably an elastase binding moiety, and most preferably a human neutrophil elastase binding moiety. Specifically, Z is a carbonyl containing group, preferably an α-amino carbonyl containing group where the carbonyl carbon is covalently attached to the carbon of the heterocycle.

R₁ is alkyl, alkenyl or alkynyl optionally substituted with 1 or more, preferably 1-3, halo, hydroxyl, cyano, nitro, haloalkyl, alkylamino, dialkylamino, alkoxy, haloalkoxy, carboxyl, carboalkoxy, alkylcarboxamide, arylcarboxamide or —O—C₅-C₆)aryl; hydroxyl, amino, alkylamino or dialkylamino; or cycloalkyl, alkylcycloalkyl, alkenylcycloalkyl, cycloalkenyl, alkylcycloalkenyl, alkenylcycloalkenyl, (C₅-C₁₂)aryl, (C₅-C₁₂)arylalkyl, (C₅-C₁₂)arylalkenyl, fused (C₅-C₁₂)aryl-cycloalkyl or alkyl fused (C₅-C₁₂)aryl-cycolalkyl optionally comprising 1-4 heteroatoms selected from N, O and S, and optionally substituted with halo, cyano, nitro, hydroxyl, haloalkyl, amino, aminoalkyl, dialkylamino, alkyl, alkenyl, alkylenedioxy, alkynyl, alkoxy, haloalkoxy, carboxyl, carboalkoxy, alkylcarboxamide, (C₅-C₆)aryl, —O—(C₅-C₆)aryl, arylcarboxamide, alkylthio or haloalkylthio.

X and Y are independently O, S or N, wherein N is optionally substituted with alkyl or alkenyl optionally substituted with 1-3 halo atoms; (C₅-C₆)aryl, arylalkyl or arylalkenyl optionally comprising 1-3 heteroatoms selected from N, O and S, and optionally substituted with halo, cyano, nitro, hydroxyl, haloalkyl, amino, aminoalkyl, dialkylamino, alkyl, alkenyl, alkynyl, alkoxy, haloalkoxy, carboxyl, carboalkoxy, alkylcarboxamide, arylcarboxamide, alkylthio or haloalkylthio. Preferably, at least one of X or Y is N. It will be understood that where X or Y is a substituted N, both X and Y are N. Preferably, the compounds of the present invention comprise 1,2,4-oxadiazole (i.e., X is O; Y is N) or 1,3,4 oxadiazole rings (i.e., X is N; Y is O).

The compounds of the present invention may be conveniently categorized as Groups I through VI.

In one preferred embodiment, the invention provides compounds of the formula (Group 1):

wherein

X, Y and R, are described above;

R₂ and R₃ are independently or together H; alkyl or alkenyl optionally substituted with 1-3 halo, hydroxyl, thio, alkylthio, amino, alkylamino, dialkylamino, alkylguanidinyl, dialkylguanidinyl, guanidinyl, or amidylguanidine; —RCOR′, —RCOOR′, —RNR′R″R^(o) or —RC(O)NR′R″ where R is alkyl or alkenyl, and R′,R″ and R^(o) are independently H, alkyl, alkenyl, cycloalkyl or (C₅-C₆)aryl; or cycloalkyl, alkylcycloalkyl, alkenylcycloalkyl, alkyl-oxyaryl, alkyl-thioaryl, alkyl-aminoaryl, (C₅-C₁₂)aryl, (C₅-C₁₂)arylalkyl or (C₅-C₁₂)arylalkenyl optionally comprising 1-4 heteroatoms selected from N, O and S, and optionally substituted with halo, cyano, keto, nitro, hydroxyl, haloalkyl, amino, aminoalkyl, dialkylamino, amidine, alkylamidine, dialkylamidine, alkyl, alkenyl, alkylenedioxy, alkynyl, alkoxy, haloalkoxy, carboxyl, carboalkoxy, alkylcarboxamide, (C₅-C₆)aryl, —O—(C₅-C₆)aryl, arylcarboxamide, alkylthio or haloalkylthio;

A is a direct bond, —C(O)—, —NH—C(O)—, —S(O)₂—, —NH—S(O)₂—, —OC(O)—, —C— or an amino acid selected from, but not limited to, proline, isoleucine, cyclohexylalanine, cysteine optionally substituted at the sulfur with alkyl, alkenyl or phenyl optionally substituted with halo, cyano, nitro, haloalkyl, amino, aminoalkyl, dialkylamino, alkyl, alkoxy, haloalkoxy, carboxyl, carboalkoxy, alkylcarboxamide, arylcarboxamide, alkylthio or haloalkylthio; phenylalanine, homo-phenylalanine, dehydrophenylalanine, indoline-2-carboxylic acid; tetrahydrosioquinoline-2-carboxylic acid optionally substituted with alkyl, alkenyl or phenyl optionally substituted with halo, cyano, nitro, haloalkyl, amino, aminoalkyl, dialkylamino, alkyl, alkoxy, haloalkoxy, carboxyl, carboalkoxy, alkylcarboxamide, arylcarboxamide, alkylthio or haloalkylthio; tryptophan, tyrosine, serine or threonine optionally substituted with alkyl or aryl; histidine, methionine, valine, norvaline, norleucine, octahydroindole-2-carboxylic acid; asparagine, glutamine, omithine and lysine optionally substituted at the side chain nitrogen with alkyl, alkenyl, alkynyl, alkoxyalkyl, alkylthioalkyl, alkylaminoalkyl, dialkylaminoalkyl, carboxyalkyl, alkoxycarbonyl alkyl or aryl, arylalkyl, cycloalkyl, alkylcycloalkyl, fused aryl-cycloalkyl or alkyl fused aryl-cycloalkyl optionally comprising 1 or more heteroatoms selected from N, O and S; and

R₄ is H, alkyl, alkenyl or alkynyl; or cycloalkyl, alkylcycloalkyl, (C₅-C₁₂)aryl, (C₅-C₁₂)arylalkyl, fused (C₅-C₁₂)aryl-cycloalkyl or fused alkyl (C₅-C₁₂)aryl-cycloalkyl optionally comprising one or more heteroatoms selected from N, O and S, and optionally substituted with alkyl, alkenyl, alkynyl, halo, cyano, nitro, hydroxyl, haloalkyl, alkoxy, amino, alkylamino, dialkylamino, carboxyl, haloalkoxy, carboalkoxy, alkylcarboxamide, aryl, arylalkyl, arylcarboxamido, alkylthio or haloalkylthio or is absent.

In a preferred embodiment, X is N and Y is O. In another preferred embodiment, X is O and Y is N. Preferably, R₄—A is an arylalkyloxycarbonyl such as benzyloxycarbonyl; alkoxycarbonyl, arylsulfonyl, alkylsulfonyl or alkyl.

Preferably, R₂ and R₃ are alkyl such as methyl or isopropyl, or H. In one preferred embodiment, R₂ is isopropyl and R₃ is H.

In a preferred embodiment of the invention, R₁ is an optionally substituted aryl or arylalkyl group, such as an α,α-dimethylbenzyl, benzyl or phenyl group. According to several preferred embodiments, the benzene ring is substituted with an alkyl, such as methyl; with a haloalkyl, such as trifluoromethyl; or with a dialkylamino, preferably dimethylamino. In yet another embodiment, R₁ is a fused arylalkyl group such as methylenenaphthyl; or a fused aryl-cycloalkyl or alkyl fused aryl-cycloalkyl such as 3,4-methylenedioxybenzyl. In another embodiment, R₁ is an alkyl group, preferably (C₁-C₈)alkyl, either straight chain or branched, such as methyl, ethyl, propyl, isopropyl, n-butyl, isobutyl, t-butyl, etc.

The present invention further provides compounds of the formula (Group II):

wherein

X, Y, R₁, R₂ and R₃ are as described above;

B is —S(O)₂—, —C(O)—, —OC(O)— or —CH₂C(O)—;

R₆ is

 wherein

R′₂ and R′₃ are independently or together H; alkyl or alkenyl optionally substituted with 1-3 halo, hydroxyl, thio, alkylthio, amino, alkylamino, dialkylamino, alkylguanidinyl, dialkylguanidinyl, guanidinyl, or amidylguanidine; —RCOR′, —RCOOR′, —RNR′R″R^(o) or —RC(O)NR′R″ where R is alkyl or alkenyl, and R′, R″ and R^(o) are independently H, alkyl, alkenyl, cycloalkyl or(C₅-C₆)aryl; or cycloalkyl, alkylcycloalkyl, alkenylcycloalkyl, alkyl-oxyaryl, alkyl-thioaryl, alkyl-aminoaryl, (C₅-C₁₂)aryl, (C₅-C₁₂)arylalkyl or (C₅-C₁₂)arylalkenyl optionally comprising 1-4 heteroatoms selected from N, O and S, and optionally substituted with halo, cyano, keto, nitro, hydroxyl, haloalkyl, amino, aminoalkyl, dialkylamino, amidine, alkylamidine, dialkylamidine, alkyl, alkenyl, alkylenedioxy, alkynyl, alkoxy, haloalkoxy, carboxyl, carboalkoxy, alkylcarboxamide, (C₅-C₆)aryl, —O—(C₅-C₆)aryl, arylcarboxamide, alkylthio or haloalkylthio;

R₁₃ is H, alkyl, halo, alkoxy, carboalkoxy, carboxyl, alkylthio, amino, alkylamino, dialkylamino, or aryl, arylalkyl, cycloalkyl, alkylcycloalkyl, fused aryl-cycloalkyl or alkyl fused aryl-cycloalkyl optionally comprising 1 or more heteroatoms selected from O, N and S, and optionally substituted with halo or alkyl;

R₁₄ is H, alkyl, alkenyl, amino, alkylamino, dialkylamino; or aryl, arylalkyl, cycloalkyl, alkylcycloalkyl, fused aryl-cycloalkyl, alkyl fused aryl-cycloalkyl or aryloxycarboxamide optionally comprising 1 or more heteroatoms selected from N, O and S, and optionally substituted with alkyl, halo, alkoxy, amino, alkylamino, dialkylamino, carboxyl, alkenyl, alkynyl, haloalkoxy, carboalkoxy, alkylcarboxamide, aryl, arylalkyl, arylcarboxamide, arylalkylcarboxamide, alkylthio or haloalkylthio;

R₁₅ is H, alkyl, halo, alkoxy, carboalkoxy, carboxyl, alkylthio, amino, alkylamino, dialkylamino, or aryl, arylalkyl, cycloalkyl, alkylcycloalkyl, fused aryl-cycloalkyl or alkyl fused aryl-cycloalkyl optionally comprising 1 or more heteroatoms selected from O, N and S; and

W is O or S; or C or N optionally substituted with H, alkyl or aryl.

In a preferred embodiment, X is N and Y is O. In another preferred embodiment, X is O and Y is N. According to several preferred embodiments, R₁₃ is an optionally substituted phenyl or benzyl; pyridyl, piperidinyl, alkyl or H or a fused ring system such as 3,4-methylenedioxybenzyl; R₁₄ is optionally substituted amino or an arylalkyloxycarboxamide such as benzyloxycarboxamide; and R₁₅ is H or halo.

Preferably, R₂ is isopropyl and R₃ is H.

In a preferred embodiment of the invention, R₁ is an optionally substituted aryl or arylalkyl group, such as a α,α-dimethylbenzyl, benzyl or phenyl group. According to several preferred embodiments, the benzene ring is substituted with an alkyl, such as methyl; with a haloalkyl, such as trifluoromethyl; or with a dialkylamino, preferably dimethylamino. In yet another embodiment, R₁ is a fused arylalkyl group such as methylenenaphthyl; or a fused aryl-cycloalkyl or alkyl fused aryl-cycloalkyl. such as 3,4-methylenedioxybenzyl. In another embodiment, R₁ is an alkyl group, preferably (C₁-C₈)alkyl, either straight chain or branched, such as methyl, ethyl, propyl, isopropyl, n-butyl, isobutyl, t-butyl, etc.

The present invention also provides compounds of the formula (Group III):

wherein

X, Y, R₁, R₂, R₃ and B are as described above; and

R₆ is of formula (I):

 where m is 0 or 1; n is 0 or 1;

D is a direct bond or an amino acid selected from, but not limited to, proline, isoleucine, cyclohexylalanine, cysteine optionally substituted at the sulfur with alkyl, alkenyl or phenyl optionally substituted with halo, cyano, nitro, haloalkyl, amino, aminoalkyl, dialkylamino, alkyl, alkoxy, haloalkoxy, carboxyl, carboalkoxy, alkylcarboxamide, arylcarboxamide, alkylthio or haloalkylthio; phenylalanine, homo-phenylalanine, dehydrophenylalanine, indoline-2-carboxylic acid; tetrahydrosioquinoline-2-carboxylic acid optionally substituted with alkyl, alkenyl or phenyl optionally substituted with halo, cyano, nitro, haloalkyl, amino, aminoalkyl, dialkylamino, alkyl, alkoxy, haloalkoxy, carboxyl, carboalkoxy, alkylcarboxamide, arylcarboxamide, alkylthio or haloalkylthio; tryptophan, tyrosine, serine or threonine optionally substituted with alkyl or aryl; histidine methionine, valine, norvaline, norleucine, octahydroindole-2-carboxylic acid; asparagine, glutamine, ornithine and lysine optionally substituted at the side chain nitrogen with alkyl, alkenyl, alkynyl, alkoxyalkyl, alkylthioalkyl, alkylaminoalkyl, dialkylaminoalkyl, carboxyalkyl, alkoxycarbonyl alkyl or aryl, arylalkyl, cycloalkyl, alkylcycloalkyl, fused aryl-cycloalkyl or alkyl fused aryl-cycloalkyl optionally comprising 1 or more heteratoms selected from N, O and S;

A is a direct bond, —C(O)—, —NH—C(O)—, —S(O)2—, —OC(O)— or —C—; and

R₁₄ is H, alkyl, alkenyl, amino, alkylamino or dialkylamino; or aryl, arylalkyl, cycloalkyl, alkylcycloalkyl, fused aryl-cycloalkyl or alkyl fused aryl-cycloalkyl optionally comprising 1 or more heteratoms selected from N, O and S, and optionally substituted with alkyl, halo, alkoxy, amino, alkylamino, dialkylamino, carboxy, alkenyl, alkynyl, haloalkoxy, carboalkoxy, alkylcarboxamide, aryl, arylalkyl, arylcarboxamide, alkylthio or haloalkylthio.

Alternatively, R₆ is of formula (II):

where

W is S or O;

R₈ is alkylamino, dialkylamino or amino;

R₉ is H, alkyl or halo.

In a preferred embodiment, X is N and Y is O. In another preferred embodiment, X is O and Y is N. According to one embodiment, where R₆ is of formula (1), m is 1, n is 0. In another embodiment, m and n are 1. Preferably, R₁₄ is benzyl, A is —OC(O)— and D is Val.

Preferably, R₂ is isopropyl and R₃ is H.

In a preferred embodiment of the invention, R₁ is an optionally substituted aryl or arylalkyl group, such as a α,α-dimethylbenzyl, benzyl or phenyl group. According to several preferred embodiments, the benzene ring is substituted with an alkyl, such as methyl; with a haloalkyl, such as trifluoromethyl; or with a dialkylamino, preferably dimethylamino. In yet another embodiment, R₁ is a fused arylalkyl group such as methylenenaphthyl; or a fused aryl-cycloalkyl or alkyl fused aryl-cycloalkyl such as 3,4-methylenedioxybenzyl. In another embodiment, R₁ is an alkyl group, preferably (C₁-C₈) alkyl, either straight chain or branched, such as methyl, ethyl, propyl, isopropyl, n-butyl, isobutyl, t-butyl, etc.

According to one embodiment, W is S; R₈ is amino and R₉ is H.

In yet a further embodiment of the invention of Group (III) compounds, R₆ is aryl, arylalkyl, cycloalkyl or alkylcycloalkyl. According to one embodiment, R₆—B is Cbz.

The present invention further provides compounds of the formula (Group IV):

wherein

X, Y, R₁, R₂ and R₃ are as described above;

R₁₀ is (C₅-C₆)aryl, (C₅-C₆)arylalkyl, (C₅-C₆)arylalkenyl, cycloalkyl, fused aryl-cycloalkyl optionally comprising one or more heteroatoms selected from N, S and non-peroxide O, and optionally substituted with halo, cyano, nitro, haloalkyl, amino, aminoalkyl, dialkylamino, alkyl, alkenyl, alkynyl, alkoxy, haloalkoxy, carboxyl, carboalkoxy, alkylcarboxamide, alkylthio or haloalkylthio;

D is a direct bond, —C(O)—, or an amino acid selected from, but not limited to, proline, isoleucine, cyclohexylalanine, cysteine optionally substituted at the sulfur with alkyl, alkenyl or phenyl optionally substituted with halo, cyano, nitro, haloalkyl, amino, aminoalkyl, dialkylamino, alkyl, alkoxy, haloalkoxy, carboxyl, carboalkoxy, alkylcarboxamide, arylcarboxamide, alkylthio or haloalkylthio; phenylalanine, homo-phenylalanine, dehydrophenylalanine, indoline-2-carboxylic acid; tetrahydrosioquinoline-2-carboxylic acid optionally substituted with alkyl, alkenyl or phenyl optionally substituted with halo, cyano, nitro, haloalkyl, amino, aminoalkyl, dialkylamino, alkyl, alkoxy, haloalkoxy, carboxyl, carboalkoxy, alkylcarboxamide, arylcarboxamide, alkylthio or haloalkylthio; tryptophan, tyrosine, serine or threonine optionally substituted with alkyl or aryl; histidine methionine, valine, norvaline, norleucine, octahydroindole-2carboxylic acid; asparagine, glutamine, ornithine and lysine optionally substituted at the side chain nitrogen with alkyl, alkenyl, alkynyl, alkoxyalkyl, alkylthioalkyl, alkylaminoalkyl, dialkylaminoalkyl, carboxyalkyl, alkoxycarbonyl alkyl or aryl, arylalkyl, cycloalkyl, alkylcycloalkyl, fused aryl-cycloalkyl or alkyl fused aryl-cycloalkyl optionally comprising 1 or more heteratoms selected from N, O and S;

A is a direct bond, —C(O)—, —NH—C(O)—, —S(O)₂—, —NH—S(O)₂—, —S(O)₂—NH—, —OC(O)NH—, —OC(O)— or —C—; and R₁₄, is as described above.

In a preferred embodiment, X is N and Y is O. In another preferred embodiment, X is O and Y is N. Preferably, D is Val, A is —OC(O)— and R₁₄ is aryl or arylalkyl such as benzyl. In a preferred embodiment, R₁₀ is (C₅-C₆)aryl or (C₅-C₆)arylalkyl, preferably benzyl, or a fused aryl-cycloalkyl such as an indanyl group. According to another preferred embodiment, D is —C(O)—, and R₁₄—A is pyrrole.

Preferably, R₂ is isopropyl and R₃ is H.

In a preferred embodiment of the invention, R₁ is an optionally substituted aryl or arylalkyl group, such as α,α-dimethylbenzyl, benzyl or phenyl group. According to several preferred embodiments, the benzene ring is substituted with an alkyl, such as methyl; with a haloalkyl, such as trifluoromethyl; or with a dialkylamino, preferably dimethylamino. In yet another embodiment, R₁ is a fused arylalkyl group such as methylenenaphthyl; or a fused aryl-cycloalkyl or alkyl fused aryl-cycloalkyl such as 3,4-methylenedioxybenzyl. In another embodiment, R₁ is an alkyl group, preferably (C₁-C₈)alkyl, either straight chain or branched, such as methyl, ethyl, propyl, isopropyl, n-butyl, isobutyl, t-butyl, etc.

The present invention additionally provides compounds of the formula (Group V):

wherein

X, Y, R₁, R₂, R₃, R′₂ and R′₃ are as described above; and

R₁₁, R₁₂ and E together form a monocyclic or bicyclic ring comprising 5-10 atoms selected from C, N, S and O; said ring containing 1 or more keto groups; and optionally substituted with halo, cyano, nitro, haloalkyl, amino, aminoalkyl, dialkylamino, alkyl, alkenyl, alkynyl, alkoxy, haloalkoxy, carboxyl, carboalkoxy, alkylcarboxamido, alkylthio, haloalkylthio; cycloalkyl, alkylcycloalkyl, alkenylcycloalkyl, (C₅-C₁₂)aryl, (C₅-C₁₂)arylalkyl, ((C₅-C₁₂)arylalkyl)OC(O)NH— or (C₅-C₁₂)arylalkenyl optionally comprising one or more heteroatoms selected from N, S and non-peroxide O, and optionally substituted with halo, cyano, nitro, haloalkyl, amino, aminoalkyl, dialkylamino, alkyl, alkenyl, alkynyl, alkoxy, haloalkoxy, carboxyl, carboalkoxy, —C(O)O(alkyl), —C(O)(alkyl), alkylcarboxamido, alkylthio or haloalkylthio.

In a preferred embodiment, X is N and Y is O. In another preferred embodiment, X is O and Y is N.

Preferably, R₂ is isopropyl and R₃ is H.

In a preferred embodiment of the invention, R₁ is an optionally substituted aryl or arylalkyl group, such as a α,α-dimethylbenzyl, benzyl or phenyl group. According to several preferred embodiments, the benzene ring is substituted with an alkyl, such as methyl; with a haloalkyl, such as trifluoromethyl; or with a dialkylamino, preferably dimethylamino. In yet another embodiment, R₁ is a fused arylalkyl group such as methylenenaphthyl; or a fused aryl-cycloalkyl or alkyl fused aryl-cycloalkyl such as 3,4-methylenedioxybenzyl. In another embodiment, R₁ is an alkyl group, preferably (C₁-C₈)alkyl, either straight chain or branched, such as methyl, ethyl, propyl, isopropyl, n-butyl, isobutyl, t-butyl, etc.

According to one embodiment of the invention, R₁₁, R₁₂, and E together form a ring structure of formulas (I) or (Ia):

wherein

A is as described above, for Group (IV);

V₁ V₂, V₃ and V₄ are independently or together C or N;

where V₃ is C; R₁₃ is H, alkyl, halo, alkoxy, carboalkoxy, carboxyl, alkylthio, amino, alkylamino, dialkylamino; or aryl, arylalkyl, cycloalkyl, alkylcycloalkyl, fused aryl-cycloalkyl or alkyl fused aryl-cycloalkyl optionally comprising 1 or more heteroatoms selected from O, N and S, and optionally substituted with halo or alkyl;

R₁₄ is H, alkyl, alkenyl, amino, alkylamino or dialkylamino; or aryl, arylalkyl, cycloalkyl, alkylcycloalkyl, fused aryl-cycloalkyl or alkyl fused aryl-cycloalkyl, arylalkylxoxycarbonyl or arylalkylcarboxamide optionally comprising 1 or more heteroatoms selected from N, O and S, and optionally substituted with alkyl, halo, alkoxy, amino, alkylamino, dialkylamino, carboxy, alkenyl, alkynyl, haloalkoxy, carboalkoxy, alkylcarboxamide, aryl, arylalkyl, arylcarboxamide, alkylthio or haloalkylthio; and

W₁, W₂ and W₃ are independently selected from N optionally substituted with alkyl; C, S and O.

According to one preferred embodiment, V₄ is N; and V₁, V₂ and V₃ are C. Preferably, R₁₃ is H or halo; R₁₄—A is CbzNH, amino or H; and R′₂ and R′₃ are H. Preferably, R₁₁, R₁₂ and E together form a ring of formula (I). In a particular embodiment, R₁₃ is H or F; and R₁₄—A— is H or H₂N—. Where R₁₁, R₁₂ and E together form a ring of formula (Ia), W₁ is preferably S, and W₂ and W₃ are C.

In another embodiment, R₁₁, R₁₂ and E together form a ring of formula (II)

wherein

A, R₁₃ and R₁₄ are as described above;

Preferably, R′₂ and R′₃ are H. According to one embodiment, R₁₃ is 1-piperidinyl; and R₁₄—A is CbzNH. Alternatively, R₁₃ is H; and R₁₄—A is amino, alkylamino or dialkylamino. In another preferred embodiment, R₁₃ is halo; and R₁₄—A is CH₃—O—C(O)—. In yet another embodiment, R₁₃ is H; and R₁₄—A is CbzNH.

According to another embodiment of the invention, R₁₁, R₁₂ and E form a ring of formula (III) or (IV):

wherein

A is a direct bond, —C— or —C(O)—;

R₁₃, R₁₄ and R₁₅ are as defined above.

According to a particular embodiment, R₁₁, R₁₂ and E form a ring of formula (III); and —A—R₁₃ is —C(O)phenyl; R₁₅ is H; and R′₂ and R′₃ are H.

In another embodiment, R₁₁, R₁₂ and E form a ring of formula (IV); and —A—R₁₃ is —C(O)phenyl; R₁₅ is H; and R′₂ and R′₃ and H.

In another embodiment of the invention, R₁₁, R₁₂ and E form a ring of formula (V):

wherein

W is S, SO, SO₂ or C;

n is O, 1 or 2;

R₁₃ and R₁₄ are defined above; and

G is —NHC(O)—, —OC(O)NH—, —C(O)—, —NHS(O)₂— or a direct bond.

According to one embodiment, n is 0 and W is S, where preferably R₁₄—G is H. Preferably, R₁₃ is optionally substituted benzyl or phenyl.

In another embodiment, n is 1 and W is C. Preferably, R₁₄—G is an arylalkyloxycarboxamide, for example, CbzNH—. In a preferred embodiment, R₁₃ is H or phenyl substituted with halo. Preferably, R′₂ and R′₃ are H.

The invention farther provides compounds wherein R₁₁, R₁₂ and E form a ring of formulas (VI), (VIa), (VII) or (VIII):

wherein

R₁₃ is as defined above, or is ═CH—R₁₅ is or R₁₅ where R₁₅ is pyridinyl, phenyl or benzyl optionally substituted with halo, dialkylamino or —C(O)OCH₃;

R₁₄ and R′₁₄ are independently or together H, alkyl, alkenyl, CH₃C(O)—; or aryl, arylalkyl, cycloalkyl, alkylcycloalkyl, fused aryl-cycloalkyl or alkyl fused aryl-cycloalkyl, aryloxycarbonyl or arylalkyloxycarbonyl optionally comprising 1 or more heteratoms selected from N, O and S, and optionally substituted with alkyl, halo, alkoxy, amino, alkylamino, dialkylamino, carboxy, alkenyl, alkynyl, haloalkoxy, carboalkoxy, alkylcarboxamide, aryl, arylalkyl, arylcarboxamide, alkylthio or haloalkylthio; and

R₁₆, R₁₇, R′₁₆ and R′₁₇ are independently or together H, alkyl, alkenyl, alkylthio, alkylthioalkyl; or cycloalkyl, cycloalkenyl, alkylcycloalkyl, aryl, arylalkyl or arylalkenyl optionally substituted with guanidine, carboalkoxy, hydroxyl, haloalkyl, alkylthio, alkylguanidine, dialkylguanidine or amidine.

Preferred compounds are of formula (VI) or (VIa) where R₁₃ is ═CH—R₁₅ or R₁₅; and R₁₄ is H, alkyl, CH₃C(O)—, Cbz or benzyl optionally substituted with alkyl, halo or alkylamino; or 3,4-methylenedioxybenzyl or 3,4-ethylenedioxybenzyl; and R′₂ and R′₃ are H. Preferably, R₁₃ is ═CHR₁₅ where R₁₅ is phenyl or benzyl optionally substituted with halo or —C(O)CH₃.

In a further embodiment, R₁₁, R₁₂ and E form a ring of formula (IX) or (IXa):

wherein

U, V, W and Y are independently or together N, C, C(O), N(R₁₃) where R₁₃ is H, alkyl, halo, alkoxy, carboalkoxy, carboxyl, alkylthio, amino, alkylamino, dialkylamino; or aryl, arylalkyl, cycloalkyl, alkylcycloalkyl, fused aryl-cycloalkyl or alkyl fused aryl-cycloalkyl optionally comprising 1 or more heteroatoms selected from O, N and S, and optionally substituted with halo or alkyl; N(R₁₄) where R₁₄ is H, alkyl, alkenyl, or aryl, arylalkyl, cycloalkyl, alkylcycloalkyl, fused aryl-cycloalkyl or alkyl fused aryl-cycloalkyl optionally comprising 1 or more heteratoms selected from N, O and S, and optionally substituted with alkyl, halo, alkoxy, amino, alkylamino, dialkylamino, carboxy, alkenyl, alkynyl, haloalkoxy, carboalkoxy, alkylcarboxamide, aryl, arylalkyl, arylcarboxamide, alkylthio or haloalkylthio; or C(R₁₆)(R₁₇) where R₁₆ and R₁₇ are independently or together H, alkyl, alkylthio, alkylthioalkyl; a carboxylic acid ester of the formula —(CH₂)_(m)C(O)OR or an N-substituted alkylamide of the formula —(CH₂)_(m)C(O)NRR′ where m is 1 to 6 and R and R′ are independently or together H or alkyl; or aryl, arylalkyl, cycloalkyl, alkylcycloalkyl, fused aryl-cycloalkyl or alkyl fused aryl-cycloalkyl optionally comprising one or more heteroatoms selected from N, S and non-peroxide O and optionally substituted with amino, alkylamino, dialkylamino, guanidine, carboalkoxy, keto, hydroxyl, alkyl, haloalkyl, alkylthio, alkylguanidine, dialkylguanidine or amidine; or together form a cyclic ring structure comprising 4-8 atoms selected from C, N, O and S.

In one preferred embodiment, U is C(R₁₆)(R₁₇), V is N, W is N(R₁₄) and Y is C(O), where preferably R′₂ and R′₃ are H; R₁₆ is phenyl or benzyl; R₁₇ is H; and R₁₄ is H or benzyl optionally substituted with alkyl, halo, or alkylamine.

In another preferred embodiment, U is C(O); V is N, W is N, N(R₁₃) or N(R₁₄); and Y is C(R₁₆)(R₁₇), where preferably R′₂ and R′₃ are H; R₁₄ is H; R₁₆ is H, alkyl, optionally substituted aryl or arylalkyl, preferably benzyl or phenyl optionally substituted with dialkylamino or hydroxyl; pyridinyl, methylene pyridinyl; fused aryl such as an indolyl, indolemethylene; or a carboxylic acid ester or N-substituted alkyl amide, as defined above; and R₁₇ is H, alkyl, succinimidyl, aryl or arylalkyl.

In yet another preferred embodiment, U is C(O), V is N, W is N, N(R₁₃) or N(R₁₄); and Y is N(R₁₃), where preferably R′₂ and R′₃ are H; W is NH; R₁₃ is arylalkyl; and R₁₄ is H.

In a further embodiment, U is C(R₁₆)(R₁₇); V is N; W is N or N(R₁₃); and Y is C(O). Preferably, R₁₃ and R₁₆ are aryl; and R₁₇ is H.

Where R₁₁, R₁₂ and E form a ring of formula (IXa); W is typically N(R₁₃) where R₁₃ is aryl or cycloalkyl such as piperidinyl.

In another embodiment, R₁₆ and R₁₇ form a cyclic ring structure, such as a cyclopentyl or cyclohexyl group.

The invention further provides compounds of the formula (Group VI):

wherein

X, Y, R₁, R₂ and R₃ are as described above, and R₁₁, R₁₂ and E together form a ring of formula (X):

where U and V are independently or together N, C, N(R₁₃) where R₁₃ is H, alkyl, alkoxy, carboalkoxy, carboxyl, alkylthio, amino, alkylamino, dialkylamino; or aryl, arylalkyl, cycloalkyl, alkylcycloalkyl, fused aryl-cycloalkyl or alkyl fused aryl-cycloalkyl optionally comprising 1 or more heteroatoms selected from O, N and S; or C(R₁₆)(R₁₇) where R₁₆ and R₁₇ are as defined above; and

and n is 1 or 2.

The present invention further provides methods of synthesizing compounds of formula (A):

wherein

Z′ is defined below;

R₁ is alkyl or alkenyl optionally substituted with 1-3 halo or hydroxyl; -alkyl-C(O)OCH₃; alkylamino, dialkylamino, alkyldialkylamino; or cycloalkyl, alkylcycloalkyl, alkenylcycloalkyl, (C₅-C₁₂)aryl, (C₅-C₁₂)arylalkyl, (C₅-C₁₂)arylalkenyl, fused(C₅-C₁₂)aryl-cycloalkyl or fused(C₅-C₁₂)aryl-cyclalkylalkyl optionally comprising 1-4 heteroatoms selected from N, O and S, and optionally substituted with halo, cyano, nitro, hydroxyl, haloalkyl, amino, aminoalkyl, dialkylamino, alkyl, alkenyl, alkylenedioxy, alkynyl, alkoxy, haloalkoxy, carboxyl, carboalkoxy, alkylcarboxamide, (C₅-C₆)aryl, —O—(C₅-C₆)aryl, arylcarboxamide, alkylthio or haloalkylthio;

X and Y are independently O, S or N, wherein N is optionally substituted with alkyl or alkenyl optionally substituted with 1-3 halo atoms; (C₅-C₆)aryl, arylalkyl or arylalkenyl optionally comprising 1-3 heteroatoms selected from N, O and S, and optionally substituted with halo, cyano, nitro, hydroxyl, haloalkyl, amino, aminoalkyl, dialkylamino, alkyl, alkenyl, alkynyl, alkoxy, haloalkoxy, carboxyl, carboalkoxy, alkylcarboxamide, arylcarboxamide, alkylthio or haloalkylthio; and

R₂ and R₃ are independently or together H; alkyl or alkenyl optionally substituted with 1-3 halo, hydroxyl, thio, alkylthio, amino, alkylamino, dialkylamino, alkylguanidinyl, dialkylguanidinyl, guanidinyl, or amidylguanidine; —RCOR′, —RCOOR′, —RNR′R″R^(o) or —RC(O)NR′R″ where R is alkyl or alkenyl, and R′, R″ and R^(o) are independently H, alkyl, alkenyl, cycloalkyl or (C₅-C₆)aryl; or cycloalkyl, alkylcycloalkyl, alkenylcycloalkyl, alkyl-oxyaryl, alkyl-thioaryl, alkyl-aminoaryl, (C₅-C₁₂)aryl, (C₅-C₁₂)arylalkyl or (C₅-C₁₂)arylalkenyl optionally comprising 1-4 heteroatoms selected from N, O and S, and optionally substituted with halo, cyano, keto, nitro, hydroxyl, haloalkyl, amino, aminoalkyl, dialkylamino, amidine, alkylamidine, dialkylamidine, alkyl, alkenyl, alkylenedioxy, alkynyl, alkoxy, haloalkoxy, carboxyl, carboalkoxy, alkylcarboxamide, (C₅-C₆)aryl, —O—(C₅-C₆)aryl, arylcarboxamide, alkylthio or haloalkylthio;

comprising the steps of:

(a) reacting a compound of formula (B):

 wherein M is Li or MgBr,

with an aldehyde of formula (C):

 where [PrG₁] is a protecting group;

(b) removing the protecting group from the resulting alcohol (D)

(c) coupling the alcohol obtained from step (b) with an acid of formula (E):

Z′—COOH  (E)

 and

(d) oxidizing the resulting product and further, if desired, removing the protecting group to yield the final compound.

According to one embodiment, the protecting group [PGR₁] is removed from alcohol (D) by reacting the aldehyde of formula (C) with hydrochloric acid in dioxane. The protecting group [PGr₁] may be any suitable group, preferably Boc.

According to another embodiment, the oxidation step of (d) is performed using Dess Martin reagent.

In a further embodiment, the compound of formula (B) is synthesized by:

(e) treating an acid of the formula (R₁)COOH with thionyl chloride or oxalyl chloride;

(f) treating the resulting acid chloride with hydrazine to yield a hydrazide of the formula (R₁)CONHNH₂;

(g) reacting the hydrazide with triethyl orthoformate or trimethyl orthoformate and TsOH to yield a oxadiazole of the formula (F):

 and

(h) treating the oxadiazole with butyllithium and further, is desired, reacting with MgBr.OEt₂ to yield the compound B.

In one embodiment, Z′ is

wherein

A is a direct bond, —C(O)—, —NH—C(O)—, —S(O)₂—, —NH—S(O)₂—, —OC(O)—, —C— or an amino acid selected from proline, isoleucine, cyclohexylalanine, cysteine optionally substituted at the sulfur with alkyl, alkenyl or phenyl optionally substituted with halo, cyano, nitro, haloalkyl, amino, aminoalkyl, dialkylamino, alkyl, alkoxy, haloalkoxy, carboxyl, carboalkoxy, alkylcarboxamide, arylcarboxamide, alkylthio or haloalkylthio; phenylalanine, homo-phenylalanine, dehydrophenylalanine, indoline-2-carboxylic acid; tetrahydrosioquinoline-2-carboxylic acid optionally substituted with alkyl, alkenyl or phenyl optionally substituted with halo, cyano, nitro, haloalkyl, amino, aminoalkyl, dialkylamino, alkyl, alkoxy, haloalkoxy, carboxyl, carboalkoxy, alkylcarboxamide, arylcarboxamide, alkylthio or haloalkylthio; tryptophan, tyrosine, serine or threonine optionally substituted with alkyl or aryl; histidine, methionine, valine, norvaline, norleucine, octahydroindole-2-carboxylic acid; asparagine, glutamine, omithine and lysine optionally substituted at the side chain nitrogen with alkyl, alkenyl, alkynyl, alkoxyalkyl, alkylthioalkyl, alkylaminoalkyl, dialkylaminoalkyl, carboxyalkyl, alkoxycarbonyl alkyl or aryl, arylalkyl, cycloalkyl, alkylcycloalkyl, fused aryl-cycloalkyl or alkyl fused aryl-cycloalkyl optionally comprising 1 or more heteroatoms selected from N, O and S; and

R₄ is H, alkyl, alkenyl, or alkynyl; or cycloalkyl, alkylcycloalkyl, (C₅-C₁₂)aryl, (C₅-C₁₂)arylalkyl, fused (C₅-C₁₂)aryl-cycloalkyl or fused (C₅-C₁₂)aryl-cycloalkylalkyl optionally comprising one or more heteroatoms selected from N, O and S, and optionally substituted with alkyl, alkenyl, alkynyl, halo, cyano, nitro, hydroxyl, haloalkyl, alkoxy, amino, alkylamino, dialkylamino, carboxyl, haloalkoxy, carboalkoxy, alkylcarboxamide, aryl, arylalkyl, arylcarboxamido, alkylthio or haloalkylthio or is absent; or

Z′ may be

 wherein

R′₂ and R′₃ are independently or together H; alkyl or alkenyl optionally substituted with 1-3 halo, hydroxyl, thio, alkylthio, amino, alkylamino, dialkylamino, alkylguanidinyl, dialkylguanidinyl, guanidinyl or amidylguanidine; —RCOR′, —RCOOR′, —RNR′R″R^(o) or —RC(O)NR′R′ where R is alkyl or alkenyl, and R′, R″ and R^(o) are independently H, alkyl, alkenyl, cycloalkyl or (C₅-C₆)aryl; or cycloalkyl, alkylcycloalkyl, alkenylcycloalkyl, alkyl-oxyaryl, alkyl-thioaryl, alkyl-aminoaryl, (C₅-C₁₂)aryl, (C₅-C₁₂)arylalkyl or (C₅-C₁₂)arylalkenyl optionally comprising 1-4 heteroatoms selected from N, O and S, and optionally substituted with halo, cyano, keto, nitro, hydroxyl, haloalkyl, amino, aminoalkyl, dialkylamino, amidine, alkylamidine, dialkylamidine, alkyl, alkenyl, alkylenedioxy, alkynyl, alkoxy, haloalkoxy, carboxyl, carboalkoxy, alkylcarboxamide, (C₅-C₆)aryl, —O—(C₅-C₆)aryl, arylcarboxamide, alkylthio or haloalkylthio;

R₁₃ is H, alkyl, halo, alkoxy, carboalkoxy, carboxyl, alkylthio, amino, alkylamino, dialkylamino, or aryl, arylalkyl, cycloalkyl, alkylcycloalkyl, fused aryl-cycloalkyl or alkyl fused aryl-cycloalkyl optionally comprising 1 or more heteroatoms selected from O, N and S, and optionally substituted with halo or alkyl;

R₁₄ is H, alkyl, alkenyl, amino, alkylamino, dialkylamino; or aryl, arylalkyl, cycloalkyl, alkylcycloalkyl, fused aryl-cycloalkyl, alkyl fused aryl-cycloalkyl, or aryloxycarboxamide optionally comprising 1 or more heteroatoms selected from N, O and S, and optionally substituted with alkyl, halo, alkoxy, amino, alkylamino, dialkylamino, carboxyl, alkenyl, alkynyl, haloalkoxy, carboalkoxy, alkylcarboxamide, aryl, arylalkyl, arylcarboxamide, arylalkylcarboxamide, alkylthio or haloalkylthio; and

R₁₅ is H, alkyl, halo, alkoxy, carboalkoxy, carboxyl, alkylthio, amino, alkylamino, dialkylamino; or aryl, arylalkyl, cycloalkyl, alkylcycloalkyl, fused arylcycloalkyl or alkyl fused aryl-cycloalkyl optionally comprising 1 or more heteroatoms selected from O, N and S.

In yet a further embodiment, Z′ is:

where

m is 0 or 1; n is 0 or 1;

D is a direct bond or an amino acid selected from proline, isoleucine, cyclohexylalanine, cysteine optionally substituted at the sulfur with alkyl, alkenyl or phenyl optionally substituted with halo, cyano, nitro, haloalkyl, amino, aminoalkyl, dialkylamino, alkyl, alkoxy, haloalkoxy, carboxyl, carboalkoxy, alkylcarboxamide, arylcarboxamide, alkylthio or haloalkylthio; phenylalanine, homo-phenylalanine, dehydrophenylalanine, indoline-2-carboxylic acid; tetrahydrosioquinoline-2-carboxylic acid optionally substituted with alkyl, alkenyl or phenyl optionally substituted with halo, cyano, nitro, haloalkyl, amino, aminoalkyl, dialkylamino, alkyl, alkoxy, haloalkoxy, carboxyl, carboalkoxy, alkylcarboxamide, arylcarboxamide, alkylthio or haloalkylthio; tryptophan, tyrosine, serine or threonine optionally substituted with alkyl or aryl; histidine methionine, valine, norvaline, norleucine, octahydroindole-2-carboxylic acid; asparagine, glutamine, omithine and lysine optionally substituted at the side chain nitrogen with alkyl, alkenyl, alkynyl, alkoxyalkyl, alkylthioalkyl, alkylaminoalkyl, dialkylaminoalkyl, carboxyalkyl, alkoxycarbonyl alkyl, or aryl, arylalkyl, cycloalkyl, alkylcycloalkyl, fused aryl-cycloalkyl or alkyl fused aryl-cycloalkyl optionally comprising 1 or more heteroatoms selected from N, O and S; and

A′ is a direct bond, —C(O)—, —NH—C(O)—, —S(O)₂—, —NH—S(O)₂—, —OC(O)— or —C—.

In yet another embodiment, Z′ is:

where

W is S or O;

R₈ is alkylamino, dialkylamino or amino; and

R₉ is H, alkyl or halo; or

Z′ is:

 wherein

R₁₀ is (C₅-C₆)aryl, (C₅-C₆)arylalkyl, (C₅-C₆)arylalkenyl, cycloalkyl, alkylcycloalkyl, fused aryl-cycloalkyl or alkyl fused aryl-cycloalkyl optionally comprising one or more heteroatoms selected from N, S and non-peroxide O, and optionally substituted with halo, cyano, nitro, haloalkyl, amino, aminoalkyl, dialkylamino, alkyl, alkenyl, alkynyl, alkoxy, haloalkoxy, carboxyl, carboalkoxy, alkylcarboxamide, alkylthio or haloalkylthio.

In a preferred embodiment, Z′ is:

wherein

R₁₁, R₁₂ and E together form a monocyclic or bicyclic ring comprising 5-10 atoms selected from C, N, S and O; said ring containing 1 or more keto groups; and optionally substituted with halo, cyano, nitro, haloalkyl, amino, aminoalkyl, dialkylamino, alkyl, alkenyl, alkynyl, alkoxy, haloalkoxy, carboxyl, carboalkoxy, alkylcarboxamide, alkylthio, haloalkylthio or cycloalkyl, alkylcycloalkyl, alkenylcycloalkyl, (C₅-C₁₂)aryl, (C₅-C₁₂)arylalkyl, ((C₅-C₁₂)arylalkyl )OC(O)NH— or (C₅-C₁₂)arylalkenyl optionally comprising one or more heteroatoms selected from N, S and non-peroxide O, and optionally substituted with halo, cyano, nitro, haloalkyl, amino, aminoalkyl, dialkylamino, alkyl, alkenyl, alkynyl, alkoxy, haloalkoxy, carboxyl, carboalkoxy, —C(O)O(alkyl), —C(O)(alkyl), alkylcarboxamide, alkylthio or haloalkylthio.

In a preferred embodiment, the invention provides a method of synthesizing a compound of formula (G):

wherein

T is H or NH₂;

R₁ is alkyl or alkenyl optionally substituted with 1-3 halo or hydroxyl; a carboxylic acid ester such as -alkyl-C(O)OCH₃; alkylamino, dialkylamino, alkyldialkylamino; or cycloalkyl, alkylcycloalkyl, alkenylcycloalkyl, (C₅-C₁₂)aryl, (C₅-C₁₂)arylalkyl, (C₅-C₁₂)arylalkenyl, fused (C₅-C₁₂)aryl-cycloalkyl or fused(C₅-C₁₂)arylcyclalkylalkyl optionally comprising 1-4 heteroatoms selected from N, O and S, and optionally substituted with halo, cyano, nitro, hydroxyl, haloalkyl, amino, aminoalkyl, dialkylamino, alkyl, alkenyl, alkylenedioxy, alkynyl, alkoxy, haloalkoxy, carboxyl, carboalkoxy, alkylcarboxamide, (C₅-C₆)aryl, —O—(C₅-C₆)aryl, arylcarboxamide, alkylthio or haloalkylthio; and

Ar is an aryl or arylalkyl optionally substituted with H, alkyl, amino, alkylamino, dialkylamino, halo or hydroxyl;

comprising the steps of:

(a) reacting a compound of formula (B):

 wherein M is Li or MgBr;

with an aldehyde of formula (C):

 where [PrG₁] is a protecting group;

(b) removing the protecting group from the resulting alcohol (D)

(c) coupling the alcohol obtained from step (b) with an acid of formula (H):

 wherein T′ is H or [PGr₂]NH, where [PGr₂] is a protecting group;

(d) oxidizing the resulting product to yield a ketone of formula (J):

 and further, when T′ is [PGr₂]NH,

(e) removing the protecting group [PGr₂] to yield the compound of formula (G). Preferably, [PGr₂] is Cbz.

As used herein, the term “optionally substituted” means, when substituted, mono to fully substituted.

As used herein, the term “independently” means that the substituents may be the same or different.

As used herein, the term “alkyl” means C₁-C₁₅, however, preferably C₁-C₈.

As used herein, the term “alkenyl” means C₁-C₁₅, however, preferably C₁-C₈.

As used herein, the term “alkynyl” means C₁-C₁₅, however, preferably C₁-C₈.

It will be understood that alkyl, alkenyl and alkynyl groups, whether substituted or unsubstituted, may be linear or branched.

As used herein, the term “aryl,” unless otherwise stated, means aryl groups preferably comprising 5 to 12 carbons, and more preferably 5 to 6 carbons. Unless otherwise indicated, the term includes both mono- and bi-cyclic fused ring systems. As used herein, where the term “arylalkyl” is defined by the general formula (C_(x)-C_(y))arylalkyl, x and y refer to the number of carbons making up the aryl group. The alkyl group is as defined above. The term include mono-substituted alkyl groups (e.g., benzyl), as well as di-substituted alkyl groups such as -alkyl(aryl)₂ (e.g., —CH(phenyl)₂). The terms arylalkyl and alkyl fused arylcycloalkyl include (α,α)-disubstituted groups such as, for example, (α,α)-disubstituted benzyl and (α,α)-disubstituted 3,4-methylenedioxybenzyl groups, wherein the α substituents are preferably alkyl groups such as methyl, ethyl or propyl. Specific examples include (α,α)-dimethylbenzyl and (α,α)-dimethyl-3,4-methylenedioxybenzyl.

As used herein, the term “arylalkenyl” includes aryl groups where the alkenyl group comprises 1-3 or more double bonds. Exemplary arylalkenyl groups include —CH═CH₂-aryl and —CH═CH-aryl, where aryl is preferably phenyl.

As used herein, the term “cycloalkyl,” unless otherwise stated, means cycloalkyl groups preferably comprising 3 to 12 carbons, and more preferably 3 to 6 carbons. Unless otherwise indicated, the term includes both mono-, bi- and tri-cyclic fused ring systems.

As used herein, the term “Cbz” means benzyloxycarbonyl.

As used herein, the term “carboxamide” is synonymous with amide; i.e., a group of the formula —NHC(O)—.

As used herein, the term “oxycarboxamide” means a group of the formula —O—C(O)NH—.

As used herein, the term “oxycarbonyl” means a group of the formula —OC(O)—.

Pharmaceutically acceptable salts of the compounds described above are within the scope of the invention.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a schematic representation of the synthesis of compounds of Group I.

FIG. 2 is a schematic representation of the synthesis of compounds of Group I.

FIG. 3 is a schematic representation of the synthesis of compounds of Group I.

FIG. 4 is a schematic representation of the synthesis of compounds of Group I.

FIG. 5 is a schematic representation of the synthesis of compounds of Group II.

FIG. 6 is a schematic representation of the synthesis of compounds of Group II.

FIG. 7 is a schematic representation of the synthesis of compounds of Group II.

FIG. 8 is a schematic representation of the synthesis of compounds of Group III.

FIG. 9 is a schematic representation of the synthesis of compounds of Group III.

FIG. 10 is a schematic representation of the synthesis of compounds of Group IV.

FIG. 11 is a schematic representation of the synthesis of compounds of Group V.

FIG. 12 is a schematic representation of the synthesis of compounds of Group V.

FIG. 13 is a schematic representation of the synthesis of compounds of Group V.

FIG. 14 is a schematic representation of the synthesis of compounds of Group V.

FIG. 15 is a schematic representation of the synthesis of compounds of Group V.

FIG. 16 is a schematic representation of the synthesis of compounds of Group V.

FIG. 17 is a schematic representation of the synthesis of compounds of Group V.

FIG. 18 is a schematic representation of the synthesis of compounds of Group V.

FIG. 19 is a schematic representation of the synthesis of compounds of Group V.

FIG. 20 is a schematic representation of the synthesis of compounds of Group V.

FIG. 21 is a schematic representation of the synthesis of compounds of Group V.

FIG. 22 is a schematic representation of the synthesis of compounds of Group V.

FIG. 23 shows the activity of certain compounds of Group I.

FIG. 24 shows the activity of certain compounds of Group I.

FIG. 25 shows the activity of certain compounds of Group I.

FIG. 26 shows the activity of certain compounds of Group I.

FIG. 27 shows the activity of certain compounds of Group I.

FIG. 28 shows the activity of certain compounds of Group II and III.

FIG. 29 shows the activity of certain compounds of Groups II, III and IV.

FIG. 30 shows the activity of certain compounds of Group V.

FIG. 31 shows the activity of certain compounds of Group V.

FIG. 32 shows the activity of certain compounds of Group V.

FIG. 33 shows the activity of certain compounds of Group V.

FIG. 34 shows the activity of certain compounds of Group V.

FIG. 35 shows the activity of certain compounds of Group V.

FIG. 36 shows the activity of certain compounds of Group V.

FIG. 37 shows the activity of certain compounds of Group V.

FIG. 38 shows the activity of certain compounds of Group V.

FIG. 39 is a schematic representation of the synthesis of certain compounds of the invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The compounds of the present invention have been found to be potent inhibitors of the serine protease human neutrophil elastase (HNE). They are reversible inhibitors that presumably form a transition state intermediate with the active site serine residue. The compounds are characterized by their low molecular weights, high selectivity with respect to HNE and stability regarding physiological conditions. Therefore, the compounds can be implemented to prevent, alleviate and/or otherwise treat diseases which are mediated by the degradative effects associated with the presence of HNE. Their usage is of particular importance as they relate to various human treatment in vivo but may also be used as a diagnostic tool in vitro.

The present invention provides, but is not limited to, specific-embodiments set forth in the Examples as well as those set forth below.

The nomenclature for the above embodiments is as follows (although the majority of the embodiments disclosed indicate the stereochemistry of the 2-methylpropyl group having the (S)-configuration, it will be understood that both the (R)-configuration and the racemic (R,S) are within the scope of the invention):

CE-2157 2-Oxo-5-(phenyl)-1,4-benzodiazepine-N-[1-(2-[5-(3-methylbenzyl-1,3,4-oxadiazolyl]carbonyl)-2-(S)-methylpropyl]acetamide

CE-2158 3-(S)-[(Benzyloxycarbonyl)amino-(5,6-phenyl-ε-lactam]-N-[1-(3-[5-(3-trifluoromethylbenzyl)-1,2,4-oxadiazolyl]carbonyl)-2-(S)-methylpropyl]acetamide

CE-2159 2-(R,S)-[6-(Methylene-4-pyridyl)piperazine-2,5-dione]-N-[1-(2-[5-(3-methylbenzyl)-1,3,4-oxadiazolyl]carbonyl)-2-(S)-methylpropyl]acetamide

CE-2160 3-(R,S)-[(Benzyloxycarbonyl)amino-δ-lactam]-N-[1-(3-[5-(3-trifluoromethylbenzyl)-1,2,4-oxadiazolyl]carbonyl)-2-(S)-methylpropyl]acetamide

CE-2161 (Pyridyl-3-carbonyl)-L-valyl-N-[1-(2-[5-(3-methylbenzyl)-1,3,4-oxadiazolyl]carbonyl)-2-(S)-methylpropyl]-L-prolinamide

CE-2162 4-[1-(2-N-Morpholino)ethyl-3-(R)-benzyl piperazine-2,5-dione]-N-[1-(2-[5-(3-methylbenzyl)-1,3,4-oxadiazolyl]carbonyl)-2-(S)-methylpropyl]acetamide

CE-2163 Methylsulfonyl-L-valyl-N-[1-(2-[5-(3-methylbenzyl)-1,3,4-oxadiazolyl]carbonyl)-2-(S)-methylpropyl]-L-prolinamide

CE-2164 (Pyrrole-2-carbonyl)-N-(benzyl)glycyl-N-[1-(2-[5-(3-methylbenzyl)-1,3,4-oxadiazolyl]carbonyl)-2-(S)-methylpropyl]amide

CE-2165 N-Acetyl-2-(L)-(2,3-dihydro-1H-indole)-N-[1-(2-[5-(3-methylbenzyl)-1,3,4-oxadiazolyl]carbonyl)-2-(S)-methylpropyl]amide

CE-2166 1-Phenyl-1,2,4-triazolidine-3,5-dione-N-[1-(2-[5-(3-methylbenzyl)-1,3,4-oxadiazolyl]carbonyl)-2-(S)-methylpropyl]acetamide

CE-2168 Phenylsulfonyl-L-valyl-N-[1-(2-[5-(3-methylbenzyl)-1,3,4-oxadiazolyl]carbonyl)-2-(S)-methylpropyl]-L-prolinamide

CE-2170 1-[2-(5-[3-Methylbenzyl]-1,3,4-oxadiazolyl]-2-(S)-[(benzyloxycarbonyl)amino]-3-methylbutan-1-one

CE-2171 (3-Pyridylcarbonyl)-L-valyl-N-[1-(3-[5-(3-trifluoromethylbenzyl)-1,2,4-oxadiazolyl]carbonyl)-2-(S)-methylpropyl]-L-prolinamide

CE-2172 Methylsulfonyl-L-valyl-N-[1-(3-[5-(3-trifluoromethylbenzyl)-1,2,4-oxadiazolyl]carbonyl)-2-(S)-methylpropyl]-L-prolinamide

CE-2173 1-(3-Morpholinoethyl)-5-(R)-benzyl-2,4-imidazolidinedione-N-[1-(2-[5-(3-methylbenzyl)-1,3,4-oxadiazolyl]carbonyl)-2-(R,S)-methylpropyl]acetamide

CE-2174 4-(R)-Isopropyl-2,5-imidazolidinedione-N-[1-(2-[5-(3-methylbenzyl)-1,3,4-oxadiazolyl]carbonyl)-2-(S)-methylpropyl]acetamide

CE-2176 1-Benzyl-1,2,4-triazolidine-3,5-dione-N-[1-(2-[5-(3-methylbenzyl)-1,3,4-oxadiazolyl]carbonyl)-2-(S)-methylpropyl]acetamide

CE-2177 (Benzyloxycarbonyl)-L-valyl-N-[1-(2-[5-(3,4-methylenedioxybenzyl)-1,3,4-oxadiazolyl]carbonyl)-2-(S)-methylpropyl]-L-prolinamide

CE-2178 (Benzyloxycarbonyl)-L-valyl-N-[1-(3-[5-(3,4-methylenedioxybenzyl)-1,2,4-oxadiazolyl]carbonyl)-2-(S)-methylpropyl]-L-prolinamide

CE-2179 5-(R,S)-Phenyl-1-methyl-2,4-imidazolidinedione-N-[1-(2-[5-(3-methylbenzyl)-1,3,4-oxadiazolyl]carbonyl)-2-(S)-methylpropyl]acetamide

CE-2180 1-(N-Morpholinoethyl)-5-(R)-benzyl-2,4-imidazolidinedione-N-[1-(3-[5-(3-trifluoromethylbenzyl)-1,2,4-oxadiazolyl]carbonyl)-2-(R,S)-methylpropyl]acetamide

CE-2181 1-(N-Morpholinoethyl)-5-(S)-benzyl-2,4-imidazolidinedione-N-[1-(3-[5-(3trifluoromethylbenzyl)-1,2,4-oxadiazolyl]carbonyl)-2-(R,S)-methylpropyl]acetamide

CE-2182 5-(R,S)-Phenyl-1-methyl-2,4-imidazolidinedione-N-[1-(3-[5-(3trifluoromethylbenzyl)-1,2,4-oxadiazolyl]carbonyl)-2-(S)-methylpropyl]acetamide

CE-2183 Benzyloxycarbonyl-L-valyl-(1,2,3,4-tetrahydroisoquinoline)-3-N-[1-(2-[5-(3-methylbenzyl)-1,3,4-oxadiazolyl]carbonyl)-2-(R,S)-methylpropyl]amide

CE-2184 1-(N-Morpholinoethyl)-5-(S)-benzyl-2,4-imidazolidinedione-N-[1-(2-[5-(3-methylbenzyl)-1,3,4-oxadiazolyl]carbonyl)-2-(R,S)-methylpropyl]acetamide

CE-2185 4-Pyridylmethyleneoxycarbonyl-L-valyl-N-[1-(3-[5-(3-trifluoromethylbenzyl)-1,2,4-oxadiazolyl]carbonyl)-2-(S)-methylpropyl]-L-prolinamide

CE-2186 4-Pyridylmethyleneoxycarbonyl-L-valyl-N-[1-(2-[5-(3-methylbenzyl)-1,3,4-oxadiazolyl]carbonyl)-2-(S)-methylpropyl]-L-prolinamide

CE-2187 4-[1-(3,4-Ethylenedioxybenzyl)-3-(S)-benzyl-piperazine-2,5-dione-N-[1-(3-[5-(3-trifluoromethylbenzyl)-1,2,4-oxadiazolyl]carbonyl)-2-(S)-methylpropyl]acetamide

CE-2188 1-Benzyl-4-(S)-benzyl-2,5-imidazolidinedione-N-[1-(3-[5-(3-trifluoromethylbenzyl)-1,2,4-oxadiazolyl]carbonyl)-2-(S)-methylpropyl]acetamide

CE-2189 1-Benzyl-2,4-imidazolidinedione-N-[1-(3-[5-(3-trifluoromethylbenzyl)-1,2,4-oxadiazolyl]carbonyl)-2-(S)-methylpropyl]acetamide

CE-2190 [1-Benzyloxycarbonyl-5-(R)-benzylpiperazin-3-one]-N-[1-(2-[5-(3-methylbenzyl)-1,3,4-oxadiazolyl]carbonyl)-2-(S)-methylpropyl]acetamide

CE-2191 1-Benzyl-4-(S)-benzyl-2,5-imidazolidinedione-N-[1-(2-[5-(3-methylbenzyl)-1,3,4-oxadiazolyl]carbonyl)-2-(R,S)-methylpropyl]acetamide

CE-2192 1-(N-Morpholinoethyl)-5-(R,S)-phenyl-2,4-imidazolidinedione-N-[1-(2-[5-(3-methylbenzyl)-1,3,4-oxadiazolyl]carbonyl)-2-(R,S)-methylpropyl]acetamide

CE-2193 1-(N-Morpholinoethyl)-5-(R,S)-phenyl-2,4-imidazolidinedione-N-[1-(3-[5-(3-trifluoromethylbenzyl)-1,2,4-oxadiazolyl]carbonyl)-2-(R,S)-methylpropyl]acetamide

CE-2194 [4-(R,S)-(4-Dimethylaminophenyl)1-2,5-imidazolidinedione-N-[1-(2-[5-(3-methylbenzyl)-1,3,4-oxadiazolyl]carbonyl)-2-(S)-methylpropyl]acetamide

CE-2195 (Pyrrole-2-carbonyl)-N-[1-(R,S)-indanyl]glycyl-N-[1-(2-[5-(3-methylbenzyl)-1,3,4-oxadiazolyl]carbonyl)-2-(S)-methylpropyl]amide

CE-2196 (6-(R)-Benzylpiperazin-2-one)-N-[1-(2-[5-(3-methylbenzyl)-1,3,4-oxadiazolyl]carbonyl)-2-(R,S)-methylpropyl]acetamide

CE-2197 4-[1-(3,4-Ethylenedioxybenzyl)-3-(R)-benzylpiperazine-2,5-dione]-N-[1-(2-[5-(3-methylbenzyl)-1,3,4-oxadiazolyl]carbonyl)-2-(S)-methylpropyl]acetamide

CE-2198 4-(R,S)-Phenyl-2,5-imidazolidinedione-N-[1-(3-[5-(3-trifluoromethylbenzyl)-1,2,4-oxadiazolyl]carbonyl)-2-(S)-methylpropyl]acetamide

CE-2200 [4-(R,S)-(4-Dimethylaminophenyl)]-2,5-imidazolidinedione-N-[1-(3-[5-(3-trifluoromethylbenzyl)-1,2,4-oxadiazolyl]carbonyl)-2-(S)-methylpropyl]acetamide

CE-2202 Isopropyloxycarbonyl-L-valyl-N-[1-(2-[5-(3-methylbenzyl)-1,3,4-oxadiazolyl]carbonyl)-2-(S)-methylpropyl]-L-prolinamide

CE-2203 [4-(R)-(3-pyridylmethylene)]-2,5-imidazolidinedione-N-[1-(3-[5-(3-trifluoromethylbenzyl)-1,2,4-oxadiazolyl]carbonyl)-2-(S)-methylpropyl]acetamide

CE-2204 1-Benzyloxycarbonyl-(2-(R)-phenylpiperazin-5-one)-N-[1-(2-[5-(3-methylbenzyl)-1,3,4-oxadiazolyl]carbonyl)-2-(S)-methylpropyl]acetamide

CE-2205 [4-(R)-(3-pyridylmethylene)]-2,5-imidazolidinedione-N-[1-(2-[5-(3-methylbenzyl)-1,3,4-oxadiazolyl]carbonyl)-2-(S)-methylpropyl]acetamide

CE-2206 [4-(R,S)-(4-pyridyl)-4-(R,S)-N-succinimidyl]-2,5-imidazolidinedione-N-[1-(2-[5-(3-methylbenzyl)-1,3,4-oxadiazolyl]carbonyl)-2-(S)-methylpropyl]acetamide

CE-2207 Isopropyloxycarbonyl-L-valyl-N-[1-(3-[5-(3-trifluoromethylbenzyl)-1,2,4-oxadiazolyl]carbonyl)-2-(S)-methylpropyl]-L-prolinamide

CE-2208 (2-(R)-Phenylpiperazin-5-one)-N-[1-(2-[5-(3-methylbenzyl)-1,3,4-oxadiazolyl]carbonyl)-2-(R,S)-methylpropyl]acetamide

CE-2209 [4-(R,S)-(4-pyridyl)-4-(R,S)-N-succinimidyl]-2,5-imidazolidinedione-N-[1-(3-[5-(3-trifluoromethylbenzyl)-1,2,4-oxadiazolyl]carbonyl)-2-(S)-methylpropyl]acetamide

CE-2210 (N-Benzylcarbonyl)-N-(benzyl)glycyl-N-[1-(2-[5-(3-methylbenzyl)-1,3,4,-oxadiazolyl]carbonyl)-2-(S)-methylpropyl]amide

CE-2211 (R,S)-3-Amino-2-oxo-5-phenyl-1,4-(6-2′-chlorobenzodiazepine)-N-[1-(2-[5-phenyl-1-1,3,4-oxadiazolyl]carbonyl)-2-(R,S)-propyl]acetamide

CE-2212 3-[1-(4-Piperidine)]-benzimidazolidin-2-one-N-[1-(2-[5-(3-methylbenzyl)-1,3,4-oxadiazolyl]carbonyl)-2-(S)-methylpropyl]acetamide

CE-2213 Methyloxycarbonyl-L-valyl-N-[1-(2-[5-(3-methylbenzyl)-1,3,4-oxadiazolyl]carbonyl)-2-(S)-methylpropyl]-L-prolinamide

CE-2214 Methyloxycarbonyl-L-valyl-N-[1-(3-[5-(3 trifluoromethylbenzyl)-1,2,4-oxadiazolyl]carbonyl)-2-(S)-methylpropyl]-L-prolinamide

CE-2215 1,4-Quinazolin-2-one-N-[1-(2-[5-(3-methylbenzyl)-1,3,4-oxadiazolyl]carbonyl)-2-(S)-methylpropyl]acetamide

CE-2216 [4-(R,S)-(2-Pyridyl)-4-(R,S)-methyl]-2,5-imidazolidinedione-N-[1-(2-[5-(3-methylbenzyl)-1,3,4-oxadiazolyl]carbonyl)-2-(S)-methylpropyl]acetamide

CE-2217 2-Oxo-5-(2-pyridyl)-1,4-benzodiazepine-N-[1-(2-[5-(3-methylbenzyl)-1,3,4-oxadiazolyl]carbonyl)-2-(S)-methylpropyl]acetamide

CE-2218 (R,S)-3-Amino-2-oxo-5-(2-pyridyl)-1,4-benzodiazepine-N-[1-(2-[5-(3-methylpropyl)-1,3,4-oxadiazolyl]carbonyl)-2-(R,S)-methylpropyl]acetamide

CE-2219 1,4-Quinazolin-2-one-N-[1-(3-[5-(3-trifluoromethylbenzyl)-1,2,4-oxadiazolyl]carbonyl)-2-(S)-methylpropyl]acetamide

CE-2220 (2S,5S)-5-Amino-1,2,4,5,6,7-hexahydroazepino-[3.2.1]-indole-4-one-carbonyl-N-[1-(3-[5-(3-methylbenzyl)-1,2,4-oxadiazolyl]carbonyl)-2-(R,S)-methylpropyl]amide

CE-2221 (R,S)-3-Amino-2-oxo-5-phenyl-1,4-benzodiazepine-N-[1-(3-[5-(3-methylbenzyl)-1,2,4-oxadiazolyl]carbonyl)-2-(R,S)-methylpropyl]acetamide

CE-2223 (R,S)-3-Amino-2-oxo-5-phenyl-1,4-(2′-chlorobenzodiazepine)-N-[1-(2-[5-(3methylbenzyl)-1,3,4-oxadiazolyl]carbonyl)-2-(R,S)-methylpropyl]acetamide

CE-2224 (R,S)-3-Amino-2-oxo-5-(4-chlorophenyl)-1,4-benzodiazepine-N-[1-(2-[5-(3-methybenzyl)-1,3,4-oxadiazolyl]carbonyl)-2-(R,S)-methylpropyl]acetamide

CE-2225 (R,S)-3-Amino-2-oxo-5-methyl-1,4-(2′,3′-methylenedioxy-benzodiazepine)-N-[1-(2-[5-(3-methybenzyl)-1,3,4-oxadiazolyl]carbonyl)-2-(R,S)-methylpropyl]acetamide

CE-2226 (R,S)-3-Amino-2-oxo-5-methyl-1,4-benzodiazepine-N-[1-(2-[5-(3-methylbenzyl)-1,3,4-oxadiazolyl]carbonyl)-2-(R,S)-methylpropyl]acetamide

CE-2227 4-(S)-(2-Isobutyl)-2,5-imidazolidinedione-N-[1-(2-[5-(3-methylbenzyl)-1,3,4-oxadiazolyl]carbonyl)-2-(S)-methylpropyl]acetamide

CE-2228 3-(R,S)-Amino-quinolin-2-one-N-[1-(2-[5-(3-methylbenzyl)-1,3,4-oxadiazolyl]carbonyl)-2-(R,S)-methylpropyl]acetamide

CE-2229 (R,S)-3-Amino-2-oxo-5-(2-chlorophenyl)-1,4-(2′-chlorobenzodiazepine)-N-[1-(2-[5-(3-methylbenzyl)-1,3,4-oxadiazolyl]carbonyl)-2-(R,S)-methylpropyl]acetamide

CE-2230 (R,S)-3-Benzyloxycarbonylamino-2-oxo-5-(2-chlorophenyl)-1,4-(2′-chlorobenzodiazepine)-N-[1-(2-[5-(3-methylbenzyl)-1,3,4-oxadiazolyl]carbonyl)-2-(R,S)-methylpropyl]acetamide

CE-2231 4-Spirocyclopentane-2,5-imidazolidinedione-N-[1-(2-[5-(3-methylbenzyl)-1,3,4-oxadiazolyl]carbonyl)-2-(S)-methylpropyl]acetamide

CE-2232 Benzyloxycarbonyl-L-valyl-N-(phenyl)glycyl-N-[1-(2-[5-(3-methylbenzyl)-1,3,4-oxadiazolyl]carbonyl)-2-(S)-methylpropyl]amide

CE-2233 2-Oxo-5-(4-piperidinyl)-1,4-benzodiazepine-N-[1-(2-[5-(3-methylbenzyl)-1,3,4-oxadiazolyl]carbonyl)-2-(S)-methylpropyl]acetamide

CE-2234 2-(2-Pyridyl)-benzimidazole-N-[1-(2-[5-(3-methylbenzyl)-1,3,4-oxadiazolyl]carbonyl)-2-(S)-methylpropyl]acetamide

CE-2235 (R,S)-3-Amino-2-oxo-5-methyl-1,4-(2′,3′-dimethoxybenzodiazepine)-N-[1-(2-[5-(3-methylbenzyl)-1,3,4-oxadiazolyl]carbonyl)-2-(R,S)-methylpropyl]acetamide

CE-2236 (R,S)-3-Amino-2-oxo-5-methyl-1,4-(1-thiophenodiazepine)-N-[1-(2-[5-(3-methylbenzyl)-1,3,4-oxadiazolyl]carbonyl)-2-(S)-methylpropyl]acetamide

CE-2237 2-Oxo-5-(4-trifluoromethylphenyl)-1,4-benzodiazepine-N-[1-(2-[5-(3-methylbenzyl)-1,3,4-oxadiazolyl]carbonyl)-2-(S)-methylpropyl]acetamide

CE-2238 2,5-Imidazolidinedione-N-[1-(2-[5-(3-methylbenzyl)-1,3,4-oxadiazolyl]carbonyl)-2-(S)-methylpropyl]acetamide

CE-2239 4,4-Dimethyl-2,5-imidazolidinedione-N-[1-(2-[5-(3-methylbenzyl)-1,3,4-oxadiazolyl]carbonyl)-2-(S)-methylpropyl]acetamide

CE-2240 4-(S)-(2-Isopropyl)-2,5-imidazolidinedione-N-[1-(2-[5-(3-methylbenzyl)-1,3,4-oxadiazolyl]carbonyl)-2-(S)-methylpropyl]acetamide

CE-2241 4-Spirocyclohexane-2,5-imidazolidinedione-N-[1-(2-[5-(3-methylbenzyl)-1,3,4-oxadiazolyl]carbonyl)-2-(S)-methylpropyl]acetamide

CE-2242 2-Oxo-5-phenyl-1,4-(4′-methylbenzodiazepine)-N-[1-(2-[5-(3-methylbenzyl)-1,3,4-oxadiazolyl]carbonyl)-2-(S)-methylpropyl]acetamide

CE-2243 4-(R)-(3-Indolemethylene)-2,5-imidazolidinedione-N-[1-(2-[5-(3-methylbenzyl)-1,3,4-oxadiazolyl]carbonyl)-2-(S)-methylpropyl]acetamide

CE-2244 2-Oxo-5-methyl-1,4-(1-thiophenodiazepine)-N-[1-(2-[5-(3-methylbenzyl)-1,3,4-oxadiazolyl]carbonyl)-2-(S)-methylpropyl]acetamide

CE-2245 2-Oxo-5-methyl-1,4-(2-phenyl-1-thiophenodiazepine)-N-[1-(2-[5-(3-methylbenzyl)-1,3,4-oxadiazolyl]carbonyl)-2-(S)-methylpropyl]acetamide

CE-2246 4-(R)-(2-Isobutyl)-2,5-imidazolidinedione-N-[1-(2-[5-(3-methylbenzyl)-1,3,4-oxadiazolyl]carbonyl)-2-(S)-methylpropyl]acetamide

CE-2247 4-(R)-(2-N,N-Dimethylcarboxamido)-2,5-imidazolidinedione-N-[1-(2-[5-(3-methylbenzyl)-1,3,4-oxadiazolyl]carbonyl)-2-(S)-methylpropyl]acetamide

CE-2248 2-Oxo-5-(3,4-methylendioxyphenyl)-1,4-benzodiazepine-N-[1-(2-[5-(3-methylbenzyl)-1,3,4-oxadiazolyl]carbonyl)-2-(S)-methylpropyl]acetamide

CE-2249 4-(R)-(3-Carbomethoxy)propyl-2,5-imidazolidinedione-N-[1(2-[5-(3-methylbenzyl)-1,3,4-oxadiazolyl]carbonyl)-2-(S)-methylpropyl]acetamide

CE-2250 2-Oxo-5-(2-methoxyphenyl)-1,4-benzodiazepine-N-[1-(2-[5-(3-methylbenzyl)-1,3,4-oxadiazolyl]carbonyl)-2-(S)-methylpropyl]acetamide

CE-2251 2-[5-Amino-6-oxo-2-(4-fluorophenyl)-1,6-dihydro-1-pyridinyl]-N-[1-(2-[5-(3-methylbenzyl)-1,3,4-oxadiazolyl]carbonyl)-2-(S)-methylpropyl]acetamide

CE-2252 4,4-Diphenyl-2,5-imidazolidinedione-N-[1-(2-[5-(3-methylbenzyl)-1,3,4-oxadiazolyl]carbonyl)-2-(S)-methylpropyl]acetamide

CE-2253 4-Spiro-(2-indanyl)-2,5-imidazolidinedione-N-[1-(2-[5-(3-methylbenzyl)-1,3,4-oxadiazolyl]carbonyl)-2-(S)-methylpropyl]acetamide

CE-2254 2-[(4-Fluorophenyl)-1,6-dihydro-1-pyrimidinyl]-N-[1-(2-[5-(3-methylbenzyl)-1,3,4-oxadiazolyl]carbonyl)-2-(S)-methylpropyl]acetamide

CE-2255 4-(R)-(4-Hydroxybenzyl)-2,5-imidazolidinedione-N-[1-(2-[5-(3-methylbenzyl)-1,3,4-oxadiazolyl]carbonyl)-2-(S)-methylpropyl]acetamide

CE-2256 4-(R)-(4-Hydroxybenzyl)-2,5-imidazolidinedione-N-[1-(2-[5-(3,4-methylenedioxybenzyl)-1,3,4-oxadiazolyl]carbonyl)-2-(S)-methylpropyl]acetamide

CE-2257 4-(R)-(2-Imidazolyl)-2,5-imidazolidinedione-N-[1-(2-[5-(3-methylbenzyl)-1,3,4-oxadiazolyl]carbonyl)-2-(S)-methylpropyl]acetamide

CE-2258 2-Oxo-5-phenyl-1,4-(2′-dimethylaminobenzodiazepine)-N-[1-(2-[5-(3-methylbenzyl)-1,3,4-oxadiazolyl]carbonyl)-2-(S)-methylpropyl]acetamide

CE-2259 4,4-Diphenyl-2,5-imidazolidinedione-N-[1-(2-[5-(3,4-methylenedioxybenzyl)-1,3,4-oxadiazolyl]carbonyl)-2-(S)-methylpropyl]acetamide

CE-2260 2-[5-Amino-6-oxo-2-phenyl-1,6-dihydro-1-pyrimidinyl]-N-[1-(2-[5-(3-methylbenzyl)-1,3,4-oxadiazolyl]carbonyl)-2-(S)-methylpropyl]acetamide

CE-2261 2-[5-Amino-6-oxo-2-(4-fluorophenyl)-1,6-dihydro-1-pyridinyl]-N-[1-(2-[5-(3,4-methylenedioxybenzyl)-1,3,4-oxadiazolyl]carbonyl)-2-(S)-methylpropyl]acetamide

CE-2262 2-[5-Amino-6-oxo-2-thiophenyl-1,6-dihydro-1-pyrimidinyl]-N-[1-(2-[5-(3-methylbenzyl)-1,3,4-oxadiazolyl]carbonyl)-2-(S)-methylpropyl]acetamide

CE-2263 2-[5-Amino-6-oxo-2-(3-pyridyl)-1,6-dihydro-1-pyrimidinyl]-N-[1-(2-[5-(3-methylbenzyl)-1,3,4-oxadiazolyl]carbonyl)-2-(S)-methylpropyl]acetamide

ONO-PO-690 2-[5-(Benzyloxycarbonyl)amino-6-oxo-2-(4-fluorophenyl)-1,6-dihydro-1-pyrimidinyl]-N-[1-(2-[5-(α,α-dimethylbenzyl)-1,3 ,4-oxadiazolyl]carbonyl)-2-(S)-methylpropyl]acetamide

ONO-PO-691 2-[5-Amino-6-oxo-2-(4-fluorophenyl)-1,6-dihydro-1-pyrimidinyl]-N-[1-(2-[5-(α,α-dimethylbenzyl)-1,3,4-oxadiazolyl]carbonyl)-2-(S)-methylpropyl]acetamide

ONO-PO-692 2-[5-Amino-6-oxo-2-(4-fluorophenyl)-1,6-dihydro-1-pyrimidinyl]-N-[1-(2-[5-(α,α-dimethyl-3-methylbenzyl)-1,3,4-oxadiazolyl]carbonyl)-2-(S)-methylpropyl]acetamide

ONO-PO-693 2-[5-Amino-6-oxo-2-(4-fluorophenyl)-1,6-dihydro-1-pyrimidinyl]-N-[1-(2-[5-(3-methylbenzyl)-1,3,4-oxadiazolyl]carbonyl)-2-(R)-methylpropyl]acetamide

ONO-PO-694 2-[5-Amino-6-oxo-2-(4-fluorophenyl)-1,6-dihydro-1-pyrimidinyl]-N-[1-(2-[5-phenyl-1,3,4-oxadiazolyl]carbonyl)-2-(S)-methylpropyl]acetamide

ONO-PO-695 2-[5-Amino-6-oxo-2-(4-fluorophenyl)-1,6-dihydro-1-pyrimidinyl]-N-[1-(2-[5-(3-pyridyl)-1,3,4-oxadiazolyl]carbonyl)-2-(S)-methylpropyl]acetamide

ONO-PO-696 2-[5-Amino-6-oxo-2-(4-fluorophenyl)-1,6-dihydro-1-pyrimidinyl]-N-[1-(2-[5-tert-butyl-1,3,4-oxadiazolyl]carbonyl)-2-(S)-methylpropyl]acetamide

ONO-PO-697 2-[5-(Benzyloxycarbonyl)amino-6-oxo-2-(4-fluorophenyl)-1,6-dihydro-1-pyrimidinyl]-N-[1-(2-[5-phenyl-1,3,4-oxadiazolyl]carbonyl)-2-(S)-methylpropyl]acetamide

ONO-PO-698 2-[5-(Benzyloxycarbonyl)amino-6-oxo-2-(4-fluorophenyl)-1,6-dihydro-1-pyrimidinyl]-N-[1-(2-[5-tert-butyl-1,3,4-oxadiazolyl]carbonyl)-2-(S)-methylpropyl]acetamide

ONO-PO-699 2-[5-Amino-6-oxo-2-(4-fluorophenyl)-1,6-dihydro-1-pyrimidinyl]-N-[1-(2-[5-(4-methoxyphenyl)-1,3,4-oxadiazolyl]carbonyl)-2-(S)-methylpropyl]acetamide

ONO-PO-700 2-[5-Amino-6-oxo-2-(4-fluorophenyl)-1,6-dihydro-1-pyrimidinyl]1-N-[1-(2-[5-(α,α-dimethyl-3,4-methylenedioxybenzyl)-1 ,3,4-oxadiazolyl]carbonyl)-2-(S)-methylpropyl]acetamide

ONO-PO-701 2-[5-Amino-6-oxo-2-(4-fluorophenyl)-1,6-dihydro-1-pyrimidinyl]-N-[1-(2-[5-(α,α-dimethyl-3,4-dihydroxybenzyl)-1,3,4-oxadiazolyl]carbonyl)-2-(S)-methylpropyl]acetamide

ONO-PO-702 2-[5-(Methylsulfonyl)amino-6-oxo-2-(4-fluorophenyl)-1,6-dihydro-1-pyrimidinyl]-N-[1-(2-[5-(3-methylbenzyl)-1,3,4-oxadiazolyl]carbonyl)-2-(S)-methylpropyl]acetamide

ONO-PO-703 2-[5-Amino-6-oxo-2-(4-fluorophenyl)-1,6-dihydro-1-pyrimidinyl]-N-[1-(2-[5-benzyl-1,3,4-oxadiazolyl]carbonyl)-2-(S)-methylpropyl]acetamide

ONO-PO-704 2-[5-Amino-6-oxo-2-(4-fluorophenyl)-1,6-dihydro-1-pyrimidinyl]-N-[1-(2-[5-methyl-1,3,4-oxadiazolyl]carbonyl)-2-(S)-methylpropyl]acetamide

ONO-PO-705 2-[5-Amino-6-oxo-2-(4-fluorophenyl)-1,6-dihydro-1-pyrimidinyl]-N-[1-(2-[5-isopropyl-1,3,4-oxadiazolyl]carbonyl)-2-(S)-methylpropyl]acetamide

ONO-PO-706 2-[5-Amino-6-oxo-2-(4-fluorophenyl)-1,6-dihydro-1-pyrimidinyl]-N-[1-(2-[5-butyl-1,3,4-oxadiazolyl]carbonyl)-2-(S)-methylpropyl]acetamide

ONO-PO-707 2-[5-Amino-6-oxo-2-phenyl-1,6-dihydro-1-pyrimidinyl]-N-[1-(2-[5-tert-butyl-1,3,4-oxadiazolyl]carbonyl)-2-(S)-methylpropyl]acetamide

ONO-PO-708 4-(S)(2-Isobutyl)-2,5-imidazolidinedione-N-[1-(2-[5-tert-butyl-1,3,4-oxadiazolyl]carbonyl)-2-(S)-methylpropyl]acetamide

ONO-PO-709 4-(S)-(2-Isobutyl)-2,5-imidazolidinedione-N-[1-(2-[5-(α,α-dimethylbenzyl)-1,3,4-oxadiazolyl]carbonyl)-2-(S)-methylpropyl]acetamide

ONO-PO-710 Methylsulfonyl-L-valyl-N-[1-(2-[5-(α,α-dimethylbenzyl)-1,3,4-oxadiazolyl]carbonyl)-2-(S)-methylpropyl]-L-prolinamide

ONO-PO-711 2-[5-Amino-6-oxo-2-phenyl-1,6-dihydro-1-pyrimidinyl]-N-[1-(2-[5-(α, α-dimethylbenzyl)-1,3,4-oxadiazolyl]carbonyl)-2-(S)-methylpropyl]acetamide

ONO-PO-712 2-[5-Amino-6-oxo-2-(3-pyridyl)-1,6-dihydro-1-pyrimidinyl]-N-[1-(2-[5-tert-butyl-1,3,4-oxadiazolyl]carbonyl)-2-(S)-methylpropyl]acetamide

ONO-PO-713 Methylsulfonyl-L-valyl-N-[1-(2-[5-(tert-butyl-1,3,4-oxadiazolyl]carbonyl)-2-(S)-methylpropyl]-L-prolinamide

ONO-PO-714 2-[5-Amino-6-oxo-2-(4-fluorophenyl)-1,6-dihydro-1-pyrimidinyl]-N-[1-(2-[5-(1-methylcyclopropyl)-1,3,4-oxadiazolyl]carbonyl)-2-(S)-methylpropyl]acetamide

ONO-PO-715 2-[5-Amino-6-oxo-2-(3-pyridyl)-1,6-dihydro-1-pyrimidinyl]-N-[1-(2-[5-(α,α-dimethylbenzyl)-1,3,4-oxadiazolyl]carbonyl)-2-(S)-methylpropyl]acetamide

ONO-PO-716 2-[6-oxo-2-(4-fluorophenyl)-1,6-dihydro-1-pyrimidinyl]-N-[1-(2-[5-(tert-butyl)-1,3,4-oxadiazolyl]carbonyl)-2-(S)-methylpropyl]acetamide

ONO-PO-717 2-Oxo-5-(4-chlorophenyl)-1,4-benzodiazepine-N-[1-(2-[5-tert-butyl-1,3,4-oxadiazolyl]carbonyl)-2-(S)-methylpropyl]acetamide

ONO-PO-718 2-[5-Amino-6-oxo-2-(4-fluorophenyl)-1,6-dihydro-1-pyrimidinyl]-N-[1-(2-[5-(tert-butyl)-1,3,4-oxadiazolyl]carbonyl)-2-(R)-methylpropyl]acetamide

ONO-PO-719 4-(R)-Isopropyl-2,5-imidazolidinedione-N-[1-(2-[5-tert-butyl-1,3,4-oxadiazolyl]carbonyl)-2-(S)-methylpropyl]acetamide

ONO-PO-720 4-(R)-Isopropyl-2,5-imidazolidinedione-N-[1-(2-[5-(α,α-dimethylbenzyl)-1,3,4-oxadiazolyl]carbonyl)-2-(S)-methylpropyl]acetamide

ONO-PO-721 2-[5-Amino-6-oxo-2-(4-fluorophenyl)-1,6-dihydro-1-pyrimidinyl]-N-[1-(2-[5-(α,α-dimethylbenzyl)-1,3,4-oxadiazolyl]carbonyl)-2-(R)-methylpropyl]acetamide

ONO-PO-722 2-[6-Oxo-2-(4-fluorophenyl)-1,6-dihydro-1-pyrimidinyl]-N-[1-(2-[5-(α,α-dimethylbenzyl)-1,3,4-oxadiazolyl]carbonyl)-2-(S)-methylpropyl]acetamide

ONO-PO-723 4-(R)-(3-Indolemethylene)-2,5-imidazolidinedione-N-[1-(2-[5-tert-butyl-1,3,4-oxadiazolyl]carbonyl)-2-(S)-methylpropyl]acetamide

ONO-PO-724 4-(R)-(3-Indolemethylene)-2,5-imidazolidinedione-N-[1-(2-[5-(α,α-dimethylbenzyl)-1,3,4-oxadiazolyl]carbonyl)-2-(S)-methylpropyl]acetamide

ONO-PO-725 2-[6-Oxo-2-phenyl-1,6-dihydro-1-pyridinyl]-N-[1-(2-[5-tert-butyl-1,3,4-oxadiazolyl]carbonyl)-2-(S)-methylpropyl]acetamide

ONO-PO-726 2-[6-Oxo-2-phenyl-1,6-dihydro-1-pyridinyl]-N-[1-(2-[5-(α,α-dimethylbenzyl)-1,3,4-oxadiazolyl]carbonyl)-2-(S)-methylpropyl]acetamide

ONO-PO-727 2-[6-Oxo-2-(4-fluorophenyl)-1,6-dihydro-1-pyrimidinyl]-N-[1-(2-[5-tert-butyl-1,3,4-oxadiazolyl]carbonyl)-2-(R)-methylpropyl]acetamide

ONO-PO-728 2-[5-Amino-6-oxo-2-phenyl-1,6-dihydro-1-pyrimidinyl]-N-[1-(2-[5-(1-methylcyclopropyl)-1,3,4-oxadiazolyl]carbonyl)-2-(S)-methylpropyl]acetamide

ONO-PO-729 2-[5-Amino-6-oxo-2-phenyl-1,6-dihydro-1-pyrimidinyl]-N-[1-(2-[5tert-butyl-1,3,4-oxadiazolyl]carbonyl)-2-(R)-methylpropyl]acetamide

ONO-PO-730 2-[6-Oxo-2-phenyl-1,6-dihydro-1-pyrimidinyl]-N-[1-(2-[5-tert-butyl-1,3,4-oxadiazolyl]carbonyl)-2-(S)-methylpropyl]acetamide

ONO-PO-731 2-[6-Oxo-2-phenyl-1,6-dihydro-1-pyrimidinyl]-N-[1-(2-[5-α,α-dimethylbenzyl-1,3,4-oxadiazolyl]carbonyl)-2-(S)-methylpropyl]acetamide

ONO-PO-732 2-[6-Oxo-2-phenyl-1,6-dihydro-1-pyrimidinyl]-N-[1-(2-[5-tert-butyl-1,3,4-oxadiazolyl]carbonyl)-2-(R)-methylpropyl]acetamide

ONO-PO-733 2-[5-Amino-6-oxo-2-(4-fluorophenyl)-1,6-dihydro-1-pyrimidinyl]-N-[1-(2-[5-tert-butyl-1,3,4-oxadiazolyl]carbonyl)-2-(R,S)-methylpropyl]acetamide

ONO-PO-734 2-[6-Oxo-2-(4-fluorophenyl)-1,6-dihydro-1-pyrimidinyl]-N-[1-(2-[5-(1-methylcyclopropyl)-1,3,4-oxadiazolyl]carbonyl)-2-(S)-methylpropyl]acetamide

ONO-PO-735 2-[6-Oxo-2-phenyl-1,6-dihydro-1-pyrimidinyl]-N-[1-(2-[5-(1-methylcyclopropyl)-1,3,4-oxadiazolyl]carbonyl)-2-(S)-methylpropyl]acetamide

ONO-PO-736 2-[5-Amino-6-oxo-2-phenyl-1,6-dihydro-1-pyrimidinyl]-N-[1-(2-[5-tert-butyl-1,3,4-oxadiazolyl]carbonyl)-2-(R,S)-methylpropyl]acetamide

ONO-PO-737 2-[6-Oxo-2-phenyl)-1,6-dihydro-1-pyrimidinyl]-N-[1-(2-[5-tert-butyl-1,3,4-oxadiazolyl]carbonyl)-2-(R,S)-methylpropyl]acetamide

The compounds of the present invention are not limited to use for inhibition of human elastase. Elastase is a member of the class of enzymes known as serine proteases. This class also includes, for example, the enzymes chymotrypsin, cathepsin G, trypsin and thrombin. These proteases have in common a catalytic triad consisting of Serine-195, Histidine-57 and Aspartic acid-102 (chymotrypsin numbering system). The precise hydrogen bond network that exists between these amino acid residues allows the Serine-195 hydroxyl to form a tetrahedral intermediate with the carbonyl of an amide substrate. The decomposition of this intermediate results in the release of a free amine and the acylated enzyme. In a subsequent step, this newly formed ester is hydrolyzed to give the native enzyme and the carboxylic acid. It is this carboxyl component that helps characterize the specificity for the enzyme. In the example in which the carboxyl component is a peptide, the alpha-substituent of the amino acid is predominately responsible for the specificity toward the enzyme. Utilizing the well accepted subset nomenclature by Schechter and Berger (Biochem. Biophy. Res. Commun., 27:157 (1967) and Biochem. Biophys. Res. Commun., 32:898 (1968)), the amino acid residues in the substrate that undergo the cleavage are defined as P₁ . . . P_(n) toward the N-terminus and P₁′ . . . P_(n)′ toward the C-terminus. Therefore, the scissile bond is between the P₁ and the P₁′ residue of the peptide subunits. A similar nomenclature is utilized for the amino acid residues of the enzyme that make up the binding pockets accommodating the subunits of the substrate. The difference is that the binding pocket for the enzyme is designated by S₁ . . . S_(n) instead of P₁ . . . P_(n) as for the substrate.

The characteristics for the P₁ residue defining serine proteinase specificity is well established. The proteinases may be segregated into three subclasses: elastases, chymases and tryptases based on these differences in the P₁ residues. The elastases prefer small aliphatic moieties such as valine whereas the chymases and tryptases prefer large aromatic hydrophobic and positively charged residues respectively.

One additional proteinase that does not fall into one of these categories is propyl endopeptidase. The P₁ residue defining the specificity is a proline. This enzyme has been implicated in the progression of memory loss in Alzheimer's patients. Inhibitors consisting of α-keto heterocycles have recently been shown to inhibit propylendopeptidase; Tsutsumi et al., J. Med Chem., 37:3492-3502 (1994). By way of extension, α-keto heterocycles as defined herein allow for an increased binding in P′ region of the enzyme.

TABLE 1 P₁ Characteristics for Proteinase Specificity Proteinase Class Representative Enzyme P₁ Characteristic Elastases Human Neutrophil Elastase small aliphatic residues Chymases alpha-Chymotrypsin, aromatic or large Cathepsin G hydrophobic residues Tryptases Thrombin, Trypsin, Urokinase, positively charged Plasma Kallikrein, residues Plasminogen Activator, Plasmin Other Prolyl Endopeptidase proline

Since the P₁ residue predominately defines the specificity of the substrate, the present invention relates to P₁-P_(n)′ modifications, specifically, certain alpha-substituted keto-heterocycles composed of 1,3,4 oxadiazoles, 1,2,4-oxadiazoles, 1,3,4-thiadiazoles, 1,2,4-thiadiazoles, 1-substituted, and 4-substituted 1,2,4-triazoles. By altering the alpha-substituent and the substituent on the heterocycle, the specificity of these compounds can be directed toward the desired proteinase (e.g., small aliphatic groups for elastase).

The efficacy of the compounds for the treatment of various diseases can be determined by scientific methods which are known in the art. The following are noted as examples for HNE mediated conditions:

for acute respiratory distress syndrome, the method according to human neutrophil elastase (HNE) model (AARD, 141:227-677 (1990)); the endotoxin induced acute lung injury model in minipigs (AARD, 142:782-788 (1990)); or the method according to human polymorphonuyclear elastase-induced lung hemorrage model in hamsters (European Patent Publication No. 0769498) may be used;

in ischemia/reperfusion, the method according to the canine model of reperfusion injury (J. Clin. Invest., 81: 624-629 (1988)) may be used;

The compounds of the present invention, salts thereof, and their intermediates can be prepared or manufactured as described herein or by various processes known to be present in the chemical art (see also, WO 96/16080). For example, compounds of Group I may be synthesized according to the schemes set forth in FIGS. 1-2 (1,3,4 oxadiazoles) and FIGS. 3-4 (1,2,4 oxadiazoles). FIGS. 5-7 describe the synthesis of compounds of Group II. FIGS. 8-9 describe the synthesis of compounds of Group III; FIG. 10 describes synthesis of Group IV compounds. The several classes of Group V compounds are described in FIGS. 11-22.

Alternatively, the compounds of the present invention may be prepared as described in FIG. 39. The 2-substituted 1,3,4-oxadiazole (3) may be prepared via formation of the acid chloride from an acid (1) utilizing, for example, thionyl chloride or oxalyl chloride, followed by treatment with hydrazine in a suitable solvent to yield the hydrazide (2). Reaction of (2) with triethyl orthoformate or trimethyl orthoformate and TsOH gives the requisite 2-substituted 1,3,4-oxadiazole (3).

Formation of the compound (3′) utilizing standard conditions (ie. butyllithium, at low temperature in a polar aprotic solvent, and further, if desired, reacting with MgBr.OEt₂) followed by addition of the aldehyde (4) yields the alcohol (5).

Deprotection of the protected amine of (5) using hydrochloric acid in dioxane gives the amino hydrochloride (6) which is then coupled to the acid (7) by methods available to one skilled in the art to give intermediate (8). Oxidation using Dess-Martin's Periodinane or other methods as described in Oxidation in Organic Chemistry by Milos Hudlicky, ACS Monograph 186 (1990) yields the ketone (9).

The final step requires removal of the protecting group from the amine. This may be carried out by a number of methods. For example, one may utilize aluminum chloride, anisole and nitromethane in a suitable solvent such as dichloromethane to give the final compound (10). Compound (10) can then be treated with an electrophile (e.g., methanesulfonyl chloride) with added base to give (14).

The aldehyde (4) may be prepared via either of three methods described. The Weinreb amide (12) is prepared from the amino acid (11) which is subsequently reduced to the aldehyde using diisobutylalluminum hydride (DIBAL). Alternatively, one may generate the ester of the amino acid (13) followed by reduction with DIBAL to afford the aldehyde (4). Further, one may generate the alcohol (13-1) followed by oxidation with SO₃-Py in DMSO.

The activity of the compounds is presented in FIGS. 23-38 as K_(i) values (nM). K_(i) values were determined, unless otherwise indicated, essentially as described in WO 96/16080, incorporated herein by reference.

Although the compounds described herein and/or their salts may be administered as the pure chemicals, it is preferable to present the active ingredient as a pharmaceutical composition. The invention thus further provides the use of a pharmaceutical composition comprising one or more compounds and/or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof, together with one or more-pharmaceutically acceptable carriers thereof and, optionally, other therapeutic and/or prophylactic ingredients. The carrier(s) must be ‘acceptable’ in the sense of being compatible with the other ingredients of the composition and not deleterious to the recipient thereof.

Pharmaceutical compositions include those suitable for oral or parenteral (including intramuscular, subcutaneous and intravenous) administration. The compositions may, where appropriate, be conveniently presented in discrete unit dosage forms and may be prepared by any of the methods well known in the art of pharmacy. Such methods include the step of bringing into association the active compound with liquid carriers, solid matrices, semi-solid carriers, finely divided solid carriers or combination thereof, and then, if necessary, shaping the product into the desired delivery system.

Pharmaceutical compositions suitable for oral administration may be presented as discrete unit dosage forms such as hard or soft gelatin capsules, cachets or tablets each containing a predetermined amount of the active ingredient; as a powder or as granules; as a solution, a suspension or as an emulsion. The active ingredient may also be presented as a bolus, electuary or paste. Tablets and capsules for oral administration may contain conventional excipients such as binding agents, fillers, lubricants, disintegrants, or wetting agents. The tablets may be coated according to methods well known in the art., e.g., with enteric coatings.

Oral liquid preparations may be in the form of, for example, aqueous or oily suspension, solutions, emulsions, syrups or elixirs, or may be presented as a dry product for constitution with water or other suitable vehicle before use. Such liquid preparations may contain conventional additives such as suspending agents, emulsifying agents, non-aqueous vehicles (which may include edible oils), or preservative.

The compounds may also be formulated for parenteral administration (e.g., by injection, for example, bolus injection or continuous infusion) and may be presented in unit dose form in ampules, pre-filled syringes, small bolus infusion containers or in multi-does containers with an added preservative. The compositions may take such forms as suspensions, solutions, or emulsions in oily or aqueous vehicles, and may contain formulatory agents such as suspending, stabilizing and/or dispersing agents. Alternatively, the active ingredient may be in powder form, obtained by aseptic isolation of sterile solid or by lyophilization from solution, for constitution with a suitable vehicle, e.g., sterile, pyrogen-free water, before use.

For topical administration to the epidermis, the compounds may be formulated as ointments, creams or lotions, or as the active ingredient of a transdermal patch. Suitable transdermal delivery systems are disclosed, for example, in Fisher et al. (U.S. Pat. No. 4,788,603) or Bawas; et al. (U.S. Pat. Nos. 4,931,279, 4,668,504 and 4,713,224). Ointments and creams may, for example, be formulated with an aqueous or oily base with the addition of suitable thickening and/or gelling agents. Lotions may be formulated with an aqueous or oily base and will in general also contain one or more emulsifying agents, stabilizing agents, dispersing agents, suspending agents, thickening agents, or coloring agents. The active ingredient can also be delivered via iontophoresis, e.g., as disclosed in U.S. Pat. Nos. 4,140,122, 4383,529, or 4,051,842.

Compositions suitable for topical administration in the mouth include unit dosage forms such as lozenges comprising active ingredient in a flavored base, usually sucrose and acacia or tragacanth; pastilles comprising the active ingredient in an inert base such as gelatin and glycerin or sucrose and acacia; mucoadherent gels, and mouthwashes comprising the active ingredient in a suitable liquid carrier.

When desired, the above-described compositions can be adapted to provide sustained release of the active ingredient employed, e.g., by combination thereof with certain hydrophilic polymer matrices, e.g., comprising natural gels, synthetic polymer gels or mixtures thereof.

The pharmaceutical compositions according to the invention may also contain other adjuvants such as flavorings, coloring, antimicrobial agents, or preservatives.

It will be further appreciated that the amount of the compound, or an active salt or derivative thereof, required for use in treatment will vary not only with the particular salt selected but also with the route of administration, the nature of the condition being treated and the age and condition of the patient and will be ultimately at the discretion of the attendant physician or clinician.

In general, however, a suitable dose will be in the range of from about 0.5 to about 100 mg/kg/day, e.g., from about 1 to about 75 mg/kg of body weight per day, such as 3 to about 50 mg per kilogram body weight of the recipient per day, preferably in the range of 6 to 90 mg/kg/day, most preferably in the range of 15 to 60 mg/kg/day.

The compound is conveniently administered in unit dosage form; for example, containing 0.5 to 1000 mg, conveniently 5 to 750 mg, most conveniently, 10 to 500 mg of active ingredient per unit dosage form.

Ideally, the, active ingredient should be administered to achieve peak plasma concentrations of the active compound of from about,0.5 to about 75 μM, more preferably, about 1 to 50 [μM, most preferably, about 2 to about 30 μM. This may be achieved, for example, by the intravenous injection of a 0.05 to 5% solution of the active ingredient, optionally in saline, or orally administered as a bolus containing about 0.5-500 mg of the active ingredient. Desirable blood levels may be maintained by continuous infusion to provide about 0.01 -5.0 mg/kg/hr or by intermittent infusions containing about 0.4-15 mg/kg of the active ingredient(s).

The desired dose may conveniently be presented in a single dose or as divided doses administered at appropriate intervals, for example, as two, three, four or more sub-doses per day. The sub-dose itself may be further divided, e.g., into a number of discrete loosely spaced administrations; such as multiple inhalations from an insufflator or by application of a plurality of drops into the eye.

While the invention has been described in connection with specific embodiments thereof, it will be understood that it is capable of further modifications and this application is intended to cover any variations, uses, or adaptations of the invention following, in general, the principles of the invention and including such departures from the present disclosure as come within known or customary practice within the art to which the invention pertains and as may be applied to the essential features hereinbefore set forth, and as follows in the scope of the appended claims.

The following examples are given to illustrate the invention and are not intended to be inclusive in any manner:

EXAMPLES

The following abbreviations are used below: TFA—trifluoroacetic acid; HOBT—hydroxybenzotriazole; DIEA—diisopropylethylamine; NMM—4-methylmorpholine; DMF—N,N-dimethylformamide; TEA—triethylamine; EDCI—1-(3-dimethylaminopropyl-3-ethylcarbodiimide; BOPCI—bis(2-oxo-3-oxazolidinyl)phosphinic chloride; FMOC—9-fluorenyl methoxycarbonyl; BTD—bicyclic turned dipeptide (see, e.g., Tetrathedron, 49:3577-3592 (1993)); THF—tetrahydrofuran

Example 1 (CE-2072) (Benzyloxycarbonyl)-L-valyl-N-[1-(2-[5-(3-methylbenzyl)-1,3,4-oxadiazolyl]carbonyl)-2-(S)-methylpropyl]-L-prolinamide

To a mixture containing 0.79 g (5.94 mmol) of N-chlorosuccinimide in 40 mL of anhydrous toluene at 0° C. under a nitrogen atmosphere was added 0.65 ml, (8.85 mmol) of dimethyl sulfide. The reaction was cooled to −25° C. using a carbon tetrachloride/dry ice bath, followed by the dropwise addition of a solution containing (benzyloxycarbonyl)-L-valyl-N-[1-(2-[5-(3-methylbenzyl)-1,3,4 oxadiazolyl]hydroxymethyl)-2-(S)-methylpropyl]-L-prolinamide (0.90 g, 1.49 mmol) in 17 mL of anhydrous toluene. The reaction was allowed to stir for 2 hours at −25° C. followed by the addition of 1.0 mL (7.17 mmol) of triethylamine. The cold bath was removed and the mixture allowed to warm to room temperature and maintained for 20 minutes. The reaction mixture was diluted with ethyl acetate and washed with water. The organic phase was dried over magnesium sulfate, filtered and the solvent removed under reduced pressure. The residue was purified by column chromatography on silica gel with 70% ethyl acetate/hexane to give 0.90 g of material which was further purified via preparative HPLC to afford 665 mg (73.9%) of the title compound as a white solid. FAB MS [M+H] m/z; Calcd: 604, Found 604.

The intermediate (benzyloxycarbonyl)-L-valyl-N-[1-(2-[5-(3-methylbenzyl)-1,3,4-oxadiazolyl]hydroxymethyl)-2-(S)-methylpropyl]-L-prolinamide was prepared as follows:

a. 3-(S)-Amino-2-(R,S)-hydroxy-4-methylpentanoic acid

To a solution containing 3-(S)-[(benzyloxycarbonyl)amino]-2-acetoxy-4-methylpentanenitrile (see example 1 of WO 96/16080) (15.2 g, 50.0 mmol) in 183 ml of dioxane was added 183 mL of concentrated hydrochloric acid and 7.45 mL of anisole. The reaction mixture was heated to reflux overnight. The hydrolysis reaction was allowed to cool to room temperature and then concentrated in vacuo. The resulting aqueous solution was extracted with ether (2×). The aqueous phase was placed on a Dowex 50X8-100 column (H⁺ form, preeluted with deionized water to pH=7). The column was eluted with 2.0 N ammonium hydroxide and the pure fractions concentrated to afford 5.53 g (75%) of 3-(S)-amino-2-(R,S)-hydroxy-4-methylpentanoic acid as a pale yellow solid. FAB MS [M+H] m/z; Calcd: 148, Found: 148.

b. 3-(S)-[(Benzyloxycarbonyl)amino]-2-(R,S)-hydroxy-4-methylpentanoic acid

To a solution under an atmosphere of nitrogen containing 1.0 g (6.8 mmol) of 3-(S)-amino-2-(R,S)-hydroxy-4-methylpentanoic acid in 9.5 ml, of 1 N NaOH and 10 mL of dioxane was added 1.43 g (8.4 mmol) of benzyl chloroformate. The pH was maintained above pH 8 with 1 N NaOH as needed. The reaction mixture was allowed to stir at room temperature overnight. The reaction was diluted with water and washed with ether. The aqueous layer was acidified with 1 N HCl to pH=2 and extracted with ether (2×). The combined organic layers were dried over magnesium sulfate, filtered and evaporated in vacuo to afford 1.75 g (92%) of 3-(S)-[(benzyloxycarbonyl)amino]-2-(R,S)-hydroxy-4-methylpentanoic acid as a light yellow viscous oil. FAB MS [M+H] m/z; Calcd: 282, Found: 282.

c. 3-(S)-[(Benzyloxylcarbonyl)amino]-2-(R,S)-acetoxy-4-methyl pentanoic acid

To a solution of 3-(S)-[(benzyloxycarbonyl)amino]-2-(R,S)-hydroxy-4-methylpentanoic acid (1.70 g, 6.04 mmol) and pyridine (4.9 mL) was added acetic anhydride (5.7 mL, 6.17 g, 60.4 mmol) dropwise at room temperature. The reaction was allowed to stir overnight and was diluted with ethyl acetate and washed with water (2×). The organic layer was dried over magnesium sulfate, filtered and evaporated in vacuo to give a thick oil. The residue was purified by column chromatography on silica gel with 15% methanol/dichloromethane to afford 1.56 g (80%) of 3-(S)-[(benzyloxycarbonyl)amino]-2-(R,S)-acetoxy-4-methyl pentanoic acid as a light yellow viscous oil. FAB MS [M+H] m/z; Calcd: 324, Found: 324.

d. 1-[(3-Methylphenylacetyl)-2-(2-(R,S)-acetoxy)-3-(S)-[(benzyloxycarbonyl)amino]-4-methylpentanoyl]hydrazine

To a solution containing 3-(S)-[(benzyloxycarbonyl)amino]-2-(R,S)-acetoxy-4-methylpentanoic acid (2.3 g, 7.11 mmol) in 40 mL of DMF under a nitrogen atmosphere at 0° C. was added 1.31 g (9.69 mmol) of HOBT and 1.36 g (7.09 mmol) of EDCI After stirring for 30 minutes, 1.20 g (7.31 mmol) of 3-methylphenyl acetic hydrazide (prepared analogously to the monoacid hydrazides cited by Rabins et. al. (J. Org. Chem, 30:2486 (1965)) and 1.0 mL (9.10 mmol) of NMM were added. The reaction was allowed to warm to room temperature and stir overnight. The reaction was diluted with ethyl acetate and washed with 5% potassium hydrogen sulfate, saturated sodium bicarbonate, brine and water. The organic phase was dried over magnesium sulfate, filtered and evaporated under reduced pressure. The residue was purified by column chromatography on silica gel with 10% methanol/dichloromethane to afford 2.31 g (89.0%) of the title compound as a white solid. FAB MS [M+H] m/z; Calcd: 470, Found: 470.

e. 1-[2-(5-[3-Methylbenzyl)]-1,3,4-oxadiazolyl]-1-acetoxy-2-(S)-[(benzyloxycarbonyl)amino]amino]-3-methylbutane

A solution containing 2.31 g (4.92 mmol) of 1-[(3-methylphenylacetyl)-2-(2-(R,S)-acetoxy)-3-(S)-[(benzyloxycarbonyl)amino]-4-methyl pentanoyl]hydrazine in 25 mL of pyridine and 1.88 g (9.86 mmol) of toluene sulfonyl chloride was heated at reflux under a nitrogen atmosphere for 72 hours. The. solvent was removed under reduced pressure and the residue dissolved in ethyl acetate and washed with water. The organic phase was dried over magnesium sulfate, filtered and evaporated under reduced pressure. The residue was purified by column chromatography on silica gel with 5% ethyl acetate/hexane to afford 1.41 g (63.5%) of the title compound. FAB MS [M+H] m/z; Calcd: 452, Found: 452.

f. 1-[2-(5-[3-Methylbenzyl]-1,3,4-oxadiazolyl)]-2-(S)-[(benzyloxycarbonyl)amino]-3-methylbutan-1-ol

A solution containing 1.80 g (3.99 mmol) of 1-[2-(5-[3-methylbenzyl]-1,3,4-oxadiazolyl)]-1-acetoxy-2-(S)-[(benzyloxycarbonyl)amino]-3-methylbutane and 0.72 g (5.21 mmol) of potassium carbonate in 30 mL of methanol and 8 mL of water was allowed to stir at room temperature for 30 minutes. The solvent was removed under reduced pressure and the residue dissolved in ethyl acetate and washed with water. The organic phase was dried over magnesium sulfate, filtered and evaporated under reduced pressure. The residue was purified by column chromatography on silica gel with 50% ethyl acetate/hexane to afford 1.46 g (89.3%) of the title compound. FAB MS [M+H] m/z; Calcd: 410, Found: 410.

g. 1-[2-(5-[3-Methylbenzyl])-1,3,4-oxadiazolyl]-2-(S)-Amino-3-methylbutan-1-ol hydrochloride

To a solution containing 1.31 g (3.20 mmol) of 1-[2-(5-[3-methylbenzyl])-1,3,4-oxadiazolyl]-2-(S)-[(benzyloxycarbonyl)amino]-3-methylbutan-1-ol in 25 mL of trifluoroacetic acid under a nitrogen atmosphere at 0° C. was added 0.43 mL (3.94 mmol) of thioanisole. The reaction was allowed to warm to room temperature overnight. The solvent was removed under reduced pressure and the residue dissolved in ether and cooled to −78° C. under a nitrogen atmosphere. To this solution was added 3 mL (3 mmol) of 1 N hydrochloric acid in ether. The resulting white solid was allowed to settle and the ether decanted. Additional ether was added and decanted (3×). The solid was dried under vacuum to afford 0.92 g (92.2%) of the title compound. FAB MS [M+H) m/z; Calcd: 276, Found: 276.

h. (Benzyloxycarbonyl)-L-valyl-N-[1-(2-[5-(3-methylbenzyl)-1,3,4-oxadiazolyl]hydroxylmethyl)-2-(S)-methylpropyl]-L-prolinamide

To a solution containing 1.30 g (3.38 mmol) of Cbz-Val-Pro-OH in 25 mL of anhydrous dichloromethane under a nitrogen atmosphere at 0° C. was added 0.90 g (3.54 mmol) of BOPCl and 0.60 g (3.44 mmol) of DIEA. After stirring for 30 minutes, 0.90 g (2.89 mmol) of 1-[2-(5-[3-methylbenzyl])-1,3,4-oxadiazolyl]-2-(S)-amino-3-methyl butan-1-ol hydrochloride in 15 mL of dichloromethane and 0.6 mL (3.94 mmol) of DIEA was added. The reaction was allowed to stir at 0° C. overnight. The reaction was diluted with dichloromethane and washed with a saturated sodium bicarbonate solution. The organic phase was dried over magnesium sulfate, filtered and evaporated. The residue was purified by column chromatography on silica gel with 5% methanol/dichloromethane to afford 1.0 g (57.3%) of the title compound as a tan solid. FAB MS [M+H] m/z; Calcd: 606, Found: 606.

Example 2 (CE-2074)(Benzyloxycarbonyl)-L-valyl-N-[1-(2-[5-(methyl)-1,3,4-oxadiazoly]carbony)]-2-(S)-methylpropyl]-L-prolinamide

Prepared similar to Example 1. FAB MS [M+H] m/z; Calcd: 514, Found: 514.

Example 3 (CE-2075)(Benzyloxycarbonyl)-L-valyl-N-[1-(2-[5-(3-trifluoromethylbenzyl)-1,3,4-oxadiazolyl]carbonyl)-2-(S)-methylpropyl]-L-prolinamide

Prepared similar to Example 1. FAB MS [M+H] m/z; Calcd: 658, Found: 658.

Example 4 (CE-2100)(Benzyloxycarbonyl)-L-valyl-N-[1-(2-[5-(4-Dimethylamino benzyl)-1,3,4-oxadiazolyl]carbonyl)-2-(S)-methylpropyl]-L-prolinamide

Prepared similar to Example 1. FAB MS [M+H] m/z; Calcd: 633, Found: 633.

Example 5 (CE-2124)(Benzyloxycarbonyl)-L-valyl-N-[1-(2-[5-(1-napthylenyl)-1,3,4-xadiazolyl]carbonyl)-2-(S)-methylpropyl]-L-prolinamide

Prepared similar to Example 1. FAB MS [M+H] m/z; Calcd: 640, Found: 640.

Example 6 (CE-2177)(Benzyloxycarbonyl)-L-valyl-N-[1-(2-[5-(3,4-methylenedioxybenzyl)-1,3,4-oxadiazolyl]carbonyl)-2-(S)-methylpropyl]-L-prolinamide

Prepared similar to Example 1. FAB MS [M+H] m/z; Calcd: 634, Found: 634.

Example 7 (CE-2178)(Benzyloxycarbonyl)-L-valyl-N-[1-(3-[5-(3,4-methylenedioxybenzyl)-1,2,4-oxadiazolyl]carbonyl)-2-(S)-methylpropyl]-L-prolinamide

Prepared similar to Example 1 of WO 96/16080. FAB MS [M+H] m/z; Calcd: 634, Found: 634.

Example 8 (CE-2052)(Benzyloxycarbonyl)-L-valyl-N-[1-(3-[5-(3,5-dimethylbenzyl)-1,2,4-oxadiazolyl)carbonyl)-2-(S)-methylpropyl]-L-prolinamide

Prepared similar to Example 1 of WO 96/16080. FAB MS [M+H] m/z; Calcd: 618, Found: 618.

Example 9 (CE-2053)(Benzyloxycarbonyl)-L-valyl-N-[1-(3-[5-(3,5-dimethoxybenzyl)-1,2,4-oxadiazolyl]carbonyl)-2-(S)-methylpropyl]-L-prolinamide

Prepared similar to Example 1 of WO 96/16080. FAB MS [M+H] m/z; Calcd: 650, Found: 650.

Example 10 (CE-2054)(Benzyloxycarbonyl)-L-valyl-N-[1-(3-[5-(3,5-ditrifluoromethylbenzyl)-1,2,4-oxadiazolyl]carbonyl)-2-(S)-methylpropyl]-L-prolinamide

Prepared similar to Example 1 of WO 96/16080. FAB MS [M+H] m/z; Calcd: 726, Found: 726.

Example 11 (CE-2055)(Benzyloxycarbonyl)-L-valyl-N-[1-(3-[5-(3-methylbenzyl)-1,2,4-oxadiazolyl]carbonyl)-2-(S)-methylpropyl]-L-prolinamide

Prepared similar to Example 1 of WO 96/16080. FAB MS [M+H] m/z; Calcd: 604, Found: 604.

Example 12 (CE-2057)(Benzyloxycarbonyl)-L-valyl-N-[1-(3-[5-biphenylmethine)-1,2,4-oxadiazolyl]carbonyl)-2-(S)-methylpropyl]-L-prolinamide

Prepared similar to Example 1 of WO 96/16080. FAB MS [M+H] m/z; Calcd: 666, Found: 666.

Example 13 (CE-2058)(Benzyloxycarbonyl)-L-valyl-N-[1-(3-[5-(4-phenylbenzyl)-1,2,4-oxadiazolyl]carbonyl)-2-(S)-methylpropyl]-L-prolinamide

Prepared similar to Example 1 of WO 96/16080. FAB MS [M+H] m/z; Calcd: 666, Found: 666.

Example 14 (CE-2062)(Benzyloxycarbonyl)-L-valyl-N-[1-(3-[5-(3-phenylbenzyl)-1,2,4-oxadiazolyl]carbonyl)-2-(S)-methylpropyl]-L-prolinamide

Prepared similar to Example 1 of WO 96/16080. FAB MS [M+H] m/z; Calcd: 666, Found: 666.

Example 15 (CE-2066)(Benzyloxycarbonyl)-L-valyl-N-[1-(3-[5-(3-phenoxybenzyl)-1,2,4-oxadiazolyl]carbonyl)-2-(S)-methylpropyl]-L-prolinamide

Prepared similar to Example 1 of WO 96/16080. FAB MS [M+H] m/z; Calcd: 682, Found: 682.

Example 16 (CE-2069)(Benzyloxycarbonyl)-L-valyl-N-[1-(3-[5-cyclohexylmethylene)-1,2,4-oxadiazolyl]carbonyl)-2-(S)-methylpropyl]-L-prolinamide

Prepared similar to Example 1 of WO 96/16080. FAB MS [M+H] m/z; Calcd: 596, Found: 596.

Example 17 (CE-2073)(Benzyloxycarbonyl)-L-valyl-N-[1-(3-[5-(α,α-dimethyl-3-trifluoromethylbenzyl)-1,2,4-oxadiazolyl]carbonyl)-2-(S)-methylpropyl]-L-prolinamide

Prepared similar to Example 1 of WO 96/16080. FAB MS [M+H] m/z; Calcd: 686, Found: 686.

Example 18 (CE-2077)(Benzyloxycarbonyl)-L-valyl-N-[1-(3-[5-(1-napthylmethylene)-1,2,4-oxadiazolyl]carbonyl)-2-(S)-methylpropyl]-L-prolinamide

Prepared similar to Example 1 of WO 96/16080. FAB MS [M+H] m/z; Calcd: 640, Found: 640.

Example 19 (CE-2078)(Benzyloxycarbonyl)-L-valyl-N-[1-(3-[5-(3-pyridylmethyl)-1,2,4-oxadiazolyl]carbonyl)-2-(S)-methylpropyl]-L-prolinamide

Prepared similar to Example 1 of WO 96/16080. FAB MS [M+H] m/z; Calcd: 591, Found: 591.

Example 20 (CE-2096)(Benzyloxycarbonyl)-L-valyl-N-[1-(3-[5-(3,5-diphenylbenzyl)-1,2,4-oxadiazolyl]carbonyl)-2-(S)-methylpropyl]-L-prolinamide

Prepared similar to Example 1 of WO 96/16080. FAB MS [M+H] m/z; Calcd: 742, Found: 742.

Example 21 (CE-2115)(Benzyloxycarbonyl)-L-valyl-N-[1-(3-[5-(4-dimethylaminobenzyl)-1,2,4-oxadiazolyl]carbonyl)-2-(S)-methylpropyl]-L-prolinamide

Prepared similar to Example 1 of WO 96/16080. FAB MS [M+H] m/z; Calcd: 633), Found: 633.

Example 22 (CE-2089) 2-[5-[(Benzyloxycarbonyl)amino]-6-oxo-2-(4-fluorophenyl)-1,6-dihydro-1-pyrimidinyl]-N-[1-(3-[5-(3-trifluoromethylbenzyl)-1,2,4-oxadiazolyl]carbonyl)-(S)-2-methylpropyl]acetamide

To a mixture containing 1.15 g (8.60 mmol) of N-chlorosuccinimide in 43 mL of anhydrous toluene at 0° C. under a nitrogen atmosphere was added 0.95 mL (12.9 mmol) of dimethyl sulfide. The reaction was cooled to −25° C. using a carbon tetrachloride/dry ice bath, followed by the dropwise addition of a solution containing 2-[5-[(benzyloxycarbonyl)amino]-6-oxo-2-(4-fluorophenyl)-1,6-dihydro-1-pyrimidinyl]-N-[1(3-[5-(3-trifluoromethylbenzyl)-1,2,4-oxadiazolyl]hydroxymethyl)-(S)-2-methylpropyl]acetamide (1.52 g, 2.15 mmol) in 15 mL of anhydrous toluene. The reaction was allowed to stir for 2 hours at −25° C. followed by the addition of 1.2 mL (8.60 mmol) of triethylamine. The cold bath was removed and the mixture allowed to warm to room temperature over 20 minutes. The reaction mixture was diluted with ethyl acetate and washed with water. The organic phase was dried over magnesium sulfate, filtered and evaporated under reduced pressure. The residue was purified by column chromatography on silica gel using a gradient elution of 2 to 10% methanol/dichloromethane to afford 1.19 g of material which was further purified via preparative HPLC to afford 629 mg (41%) of the title compound as a white solid. FAB MS [M+H] m/z; Calcd: 707, Found: 707.

The intermediate 2-[5-[(benzyloxycarbonyl)amino]-6-oxo-2-(4-fluorophenyl)-1,6-dihydro-1-pyrimidinyl]-N-[1-(3-[5-(3-trifluoromethylbenzyl)-1,2,4-oxadiazolyl]hydroxymethyl)-(S)-2-methylpropyl]acetamide was prepared as follows: to a solution containing 1.35 g (3.7 mmol) of 1-[3-[5-(3-methylbenzyl)-1,2,4-oxadiazolyl]-2-(S)-amino-3-methylbutan-1-ol hydrochloride and [5-[(benzyloxycarbonyl)amino]-6-oxo-2-(4-fluorophenyl)-1,6-dihydro-1-pyrimidinyl]acetic acid (J. Med. Chem.38:98-108 (1995)) in 10 mL of anhydrous DMF was added 1.0 mL (7.44 mmol) of TEA and 0.76 g (4.94 mmol) of HOBT. The mixture was cooled to 0° C. and 0.95 g (4.94 mmol) of EDC was added and the reaction mixture was allowed to stir overnight. An additional 1.0 mL (7.44 mmol) of TEA was added and the reaction again allowed to stir overnight. The reaction was diluted with dichloromethane and washed with a saturated ammonium chloride solution (2×) and water. The organic phase was dried over magnesium sulfate, filtered and evaporated under reduced pressure. The residue was purified by column chromatography on silica gel with 2% methanol/dichloromethane to afford 1.52 g (87%) of the title compound. FAB MS [M+H] m/z, Calcd: 709, Found: 709.

Example 23 (CE-2090) 2-[5-Amino-6-oxo-2-(4-fluorophenyl)-1,6-dihydro-1-pyrimidinyl]-N-]1-(3-[5-(3-trifluoromethylbenzyl)-1,2,4-oxadiazolyl]carbonyl)-2-(S)-methylpropyl]acetamide

To a mixture containing 0.41 g (0.56 mmol) of 2-[5-[(benzyloxycarbonyl)amino]-6-oxo-2-(4-fluorophenyl)-1,6-dihydro-1-pyrimidinyl]-N-[1-(3-[5-(3-trifluormethylbenzyl)-1,2,4-oxadiazolyl]carbonyl)-(S)-2-methylpropyl]acetamide in 4 mL of trifluoracetic acid at room temperature under a nitrogen atmosphere was added 87 mg (0.70 mmol) of thioanisole. The reaction mixture was allowed to stir for 3 days and concentrated in vacuo. The residue was purified via preparative HPLC to afford 269 mg (47%) of the title compound as a white solid. FAB MS. [M+H] m/z; Calcd: 573, Found: 573.

Example 24 (CE-2095) 2-[5-[(Benzyloxycarbonyl)amino]-6-oxo-2-(4-fluorophenyl)-1,6-dihydro-1-pyrimidinyl]-N-[1-(2-[5-(3-methylbenzyl)-1,3,4-oxadiazolyl]carbonyl)-(S)-2-methylpropyl]acetamide

To a mixture containing 0.83 g (6.23 mmol) of N-chlorosuccinimide in 32 mL of anhydrous toluene at 0° C. under a nitrogen atmosphere was added 0.7 mL (9.35 mmol) of dimethyl sulfide. The reaction was cooled to −25° C. using a carbon tetrachloride/dry ice bath, followed by the dropwise addition of a solution containing 2-[5-[(benzyloxycarbonyl)amino]-6-oxo-2-(4-fluorophenyl)-1,6-dihydro-1-pyrimidinyl]-N-[1-(2-[5-(3-methylbenzyl)-1,3,4-oxadiazolyl]hydroxymethyl)-(S)-2-methylpropyl]acetamide (1.02 g, 1.56 mmol) in 12 mL of anhydrous toluene. The reaction was allowed to stir for 2 hours at −25° C. followed by the addition of 0.9 mL (6.23) mmol) of triethylamine. The cold bath was removed and the mixture allowed to warm to room temperature over 20 minutes. The reaction mixture was diluted with ethyl acetate and washed with water. The organic phase was dried over magnesium sulfate, filtered and evaporated. The residue was purified by column chromatography on silica gel using 1% methanol/dichloromethane to afford 1.37 g of material which was further purified via preparative HPLC to give 368 mg (36%) of the title compound as a white solid. FAB MS [M+H] m/z; Calcd: 653, Found: 653.

The intermediate 2-[5-[(benzyloxycarbonyl)amino]-6-oxo-2-(4-fluorophenyl)-1,6-dihydro-1-pyrimidinyl]-N-[1-(2-[5-(3-methylbenzyl)-1,3,4-oxadiazolyl]hydroxymethyl)-(S)-2-methylpropyl]acetamide was prepared as follows: to a solution containing 1.35 g (3.7 mmol) of 1-[2-[5-(3-methylbenzyl)-1,3,4-oxadiazolyl]-2-(S)-amino-3-methyl butane hydrochloride and [5-[(benzyloxycarbonyl)amino]-6-oxo-2-(4-fluorophenyl)-1,6-dihydro-1-pyrimidinyl]acetic acid (J. Med Chem., 38:98-108 (1995)) in 10 mL of anhydrous DMF was added 0.73 mL (6.6 mmol) of NMM and 0.46 g (3.0 mmol) of HOBT. The mixture was cooled to 0° C. and 0.50 g (2.6 mmol) of EDCI was added and the reaction mixture was allowed to stir for 2 days. The reaction was diluted with dichloromethane and washed with a saturated ammonium chloride solution (2×) and water. The organic phase was dried over magnesium sulfate, filtered and evaporated under reduced pressure. The residue was purified by column chromatography on silica gel using a gradient elution of 2 to 5% methanol/dichloromethane to afford 1.02 g (77%) of the title compound. FAB MS [M+H] m/z; Calcd: 655, Found: 655.

Example 25 (CE-2101) 2-[5-Amino-6-oxo-2-(4-fluorophenyl)-1,6-dihydro-1-pyrimidinyl]-N-[1-(2-[5-(3-methylbenzyl)-1,3,4-oxadiazolyl]carbonyl)-2-(S)-methylpropyl]acetamide

To a mixture containing 0.219 g (0.335 mmol) of 2-[5-[(benzyloxycarbonyl)amino]-6-oxo-2-(4-fluorophenyl)-1,6-dihydro-1-pyrimidinyl)-N-[1-(2-[5-(3-methylbenzyl)-1,3,4-oxadiazolyl]carbonyl)-(S)-2-methylpropylyl]acetamide in 3 mL of trifluoroacetic acid at room temperature under a nitrogen atmosphere was added 0.05 mL (0.402 mmol) of thioanisole. The reaction mixture was allowed to stir for 3 days and concentrated in vacuo. The residue was purified via preoperative HPLC to afford 187 mg (88%) of the title compound as a white solid. FAB MS [M+H} m/z; Calcd: 519, Found: 519.

Example 26 (CE-2164)(Pyrrole-2-carbonyl)-N-(benzyl)glycyl-N-[1-(2-[5-(3-methylbenzyl)-1,3,4-oxadiazolyl]carbonyl-2-(S)-methylpropyl]amide

To a mixture containing 1.97 g (14.7 mmol) of N-chlorosuccinimide on 60 mL of anhydrous toluene at 0° C. under a nitrogen atmosphere was added 1.54 mL (21.0 mmol) of dimethyl sulfide. The mixture was allowed to stir for 1 hr. The reaction was cooled to −25° C. using a carbon tetrachloride/dry ice bath, followed by the dropwise addition of a solution contain (0.90 g, 1.49 mmol) of (pyrrole-2-carbonyl)-N-(benzyl)glycyl-N-[1-(2-[5-(3-methylbenzyl)-1,3,4-oxadiazolyl]hydroxymethyl)]-2-(S)-methylpropyl]amide in 30 mL of anhydrous toluene. The reaction was allowed to stir for 1 hour at −25° C. followed by the addition of 2.16 mL (15.5 mmol) of triethylamine. The cold bath was removed and the mixture allowed to warm to room temperature over 20 minutes. The reaction mixture was diluted with ethyl acetate and washed with water. The organic phase was dried over magnesium sulfate, filtered and evaporated under reduced pressure. The residue was purified by column chromatography on silica gel with ethyl acetate/hexane (4:1). The material was further purified via preparative HPLC to afford 1.20 g (63.4%) of the title compound as a white solid. FAB MS [M+H] m/z; Calcd: 514, Found: 514.

The intermediate (pyrrole-2-carbonyl)-N-(benzyl)glycyl-N-[1-(2-[5-(3-methylbenzyl)-1,3,4-oxadiazolyl]hydroxymethyl)]-2-(S)-methylpropyl]amide was prepared by the following method:

a. (Pyrrole-2-carbonyl)-N-(benzyl)glycine-t-butyl ester

To a suspension containing 3.00 g (27.0 mmol) of pyrrole-2-carboxylic acid in 75 mL of anhydrous dichloromethane under a nitrogen atmosphere at 0° C. was added 6.96 g (27.0 mmol) of BOPCl and 14.1 mL (81.0 mmol) of DIEA. After stirring for 30 minutes, 5.97 g (27.0 mmol) of N-(benzyl)gylcine-t-butyl ester was added and the reaction allowed to warm to room temperature overnight. The reaction was diluted with ethyl acetate and washed with a 5% potassium hydrogensulfate, saturated sodium bicarbonate solution and brine. The organic phase was dried over magnesium sulfate, filtered and evaporated under reduced pressure. The residue was purified by column chromatography on silica gel using a gradient of 100% hexane to 60% hexane/ethyl acetate to afford 2.92 g (34.4%) of the title compound as a white solid. FAB MS [M+H] m/z Calcd: 315, Found: 315.

b. (Pyrrole-2-carbonyl)-N-(benzyl)glycine

To a solution containing 2.85 g (9.01 mmol) of (Pyrrole-2-carbonyl)-N-(benzyl)glycine-t-butyl ester in 50 mL of anhydrous dichloromethane cooled to 0° C. was added 25 mL of TFA dropwise. After 90 minutes an additional 25 mL of TFA was added and allowed to stir for 30 minutes. The mixture was evaporated in vacuo to afford 2.19 g of (Pyrole-2-carbonyl)-N-(benzyl)glycine as a tan solid. FAB MS [M+H] m/z; Calcd. 259, Found 259.

c. (Pyrrole-2-carbonyl)-N-(benzyl)glycyl-N-[1-(2-[5-(3-methylbenzyl)-1,3,4-oxadiazoly]hydroxymethyl)]-(S)-2-methylpropyl]amide.

To a solution containing 1.90 g (7.35 mmol) of (Pyrrole-2-carbonyl)-N-(benzyl)glycine in 75 mL of anhydrous DMF was added 2.4 mL (22.1 mmol) of NMM and 1.29 g (9.56 mmol) of HOBT. The mixture was cooled to 0° C. and 1.69 g (8.82 mmol) of EDCI was added and the reaction mixture was allowed to stir. After 30 minutes 2.17 g (6.99 mmol) of 1-[2-(5-[3-methylbenzyl])-1,3,4-oxadiazolyl]-2-(S)-amino-3-methyl butan-1-ol hydrochloride in 25 mL of anhydrous DMF was added and the mixture was allowed to warm to room temperature overnight. The reaction was diluted with ethyl acetate and washed with 5% potassium hydrogen sulfate and water. The organic phase was dried over magnesium sulfate, filtered and evaporated under reduced pressure. The residue was purified by column chromatography on silica gel using a gradient elution of 20 to 80% ethyl acetate/hexane to afford 2.02 g (56%) of the title compound. FAB MS [M+H] m/z Calcd: 516, Found: 516.

Example 27 (CE-2097)(Pyrrole-2-carbonyl)-N-(benzyl)glycyl-N-[1-(3-[5-(3-trifluoromethylbenzyl)1-1,2,4-oxadiazolyl]carbonyl)-(S)-methylpropyl]amide was prepared in a similar manner to Example 25. FAB MS [M+H] m/z; Calcd: 568, Found: 568. Example 28 (CE-2130)(2S,5S)-5-Amino-1,2,4,5,6,7-hexahydroazepino-[3,2,1]-indole-4-one-carbonyl-N-[1-(2-[5-(3-methylbenzyl)-1,3,4-oxadiazolyl]carbonyl)-(R,S)-2-methylpropyl]amide.

To a solution containing 0.93 g (1.28 mmol) of (2S,5S)-Fmoc-5-amino-1,2,4,5,6,7-hexahydroazepino[3,2,1]indole-4-one-carbonyl-N-[1-(2-[5-(3-methylbenzyl)-1,3,4-oxadiazolyl]carbonyl)-(S)-2-methylpropyl]amide in 4.5 mL of anhydrous DMF under an atmosphere of nitrogen was added 0.45 mL of diethylamine. After stirring at room temperature for 15 min the mixture was concentrated under high vacuum. The residue was purified via preparative HPLC to afford 0.57 g (72%) of the title compound as a white solid. FAB MS [M+H] m/z; Calcd: 502, Found 502.

The intermediate (2S,5S)-Fmoc-5-amino-1,2,4,5,6,7-hexahydroazepino-[3,2,1]-indole-4-one-carbonyl-N-[1-(2-[5-(3-methylbenzyl)-1,3,4-oxadiazolyl]carbonyl)-(S)-2-methylpropyl]amide was prepared as follows:

a. (2S,5S)-Fmoc-5-amino-1,2,4,5,6,7-hexahydroazepino-[3,2,1]-indole-4-one-carbonyl-N-[1-(2-[5-(3-methylbenzyl)-1,3,4-oxadiazoly]hydroxymethyl)-(S)-2-methylpropyl]amide.

To a solution containing 1.25 g(2.67 mmol) of (2S,5S)-Fmoc-5-amino-1,2,4,5,6,7-hexahydroazepino[3,2,1]indole-4-one-carboxylic acid in 200 mL of anhydrous dichloromethane and 1 mL of anhydrous DMF under a nitrogen atmosphere at 0° C. was added 0.71 g (2.80 mmol) of BOPCl and 0.6 mL (3.45 mmol) of DIEA. After stirring for 1 hr 1.14 g (3.66 mmol) of 1-[2-(5-[3-methylbenzyl])-1,3,4-oxadiazolyl]-2-(S)-amino-3-methylbutan-1-ol hydrochloride in 10 mL of anhydous dichloromethane was added and the reaction mixture allowed to stir at 4° C. overnight. The reaction was diluted with dichloromethane and washed with water. The organic phase was dried over magnesium sulfate, filtered and evaporated under reduced pressure. The residue was purified by column chromatograph on silica gel using 3% methanol/dichloromethane to afford 1.30 g (67%) of the title compound as tan solid.

b. (2S,5S)-Fmoc-5-amino-1,2,4,5,6,7-hexahydroazepino-[3,2,1]-indole-4-one-carbonyl-N-[1-(2-[5-(3-methylbenzyl)-1,3,4-oxadiazolyl]carbonyl)]-(S)-2-methylpropyl]amide

To a mixture containing 0.95 g (7.16 mmol) of N-chlorosuccinimide in 150 mL of anhydrous toluene at 0° C. under a nitrogen atmosphere was added 0.79 mL (10.7 mmol) of dimethyl sulfide. The mixture was allowed to stir for 30 minutes. The reaction was cooled to −25° C. using a carbon tetrachloride/dry ice bath, followed by the dropwise addition of a solution containing 1.30 g (1.79 mmol) of (2S,5S)-Fmoc-5-amino-1,2,4,5,6,7-hexahydroazepino-[3,2,1]-indole-4-one-carbonyl-N-[1-(2-[5-(3-methylbenzyl)-1,3,4-oxadiazolyl]hydroxymethyl)]-(S)-2-methylpropyl]amide in 10 mL of anhydrous toluene. The reaction was allowed to stir for 2 hours at −25° C. followed by the addition of 1.17 mL (8.4 mmol) of triethylamine. The cold bath was removed and the mixture was allowed to warm to room temperature over 30 minutes. The reaction mixture was diluted with ethyl acetate and washed with water. The organic phase was dried over magnesium sulfate. The residue was filtered, concentrated under reduced pressure and purified by column chromatography on silica gel with 10% ethyl acetate/hexane to give 0.93 g (72%) as a tan foam.

Example 29 (CE-2126) BTD-[1-(2-[5-(3-methylbenzyl)-1,3,4-oxadiazolyl]carbonyl)-2-(S)-methylpropyl]amide

To a solution containing 0.41 g (0.59 mmol) of FMOC-BTD-[1-(2-[5-(3-methylbenzyl)-1,3,4-oxadiazole]carbonyl)-2-(S)-methylpropyl]amide in 4.5 mL of anhydrous DMF under an atmosphere of nitrogen was added 0.5 mL of diethylamine. After stirring at room temperature for 30 min the mixture concentrated under high vaccum. The residue was purified via preparative HPLC to afford 0.23 g (66%) of the title compound as a white solid. FAB MS [M+H] m/z; Calcd: 472, Found 472.

The intermediate Fmoc-BTD-[1-(2-[5-(3-methylbenzyl)-1,3,4-oxadiazolyl]carbonyl)-2-(S)-methylpropyl]amide was prepared as follows:

a. (2S,5S)-Fmoc-BTD-[1-(2-[5-(3-methylbenzyl)-1,3,4-oxadiazolyl]hydroxymethyl)-2-(S)-methylpropyl]amide

To a solution containing 1.25 g (2.85 mmol) of FMOC-BTD in 80 mL of anhydrous dichloromethane and 2.5 mL of anhydrous DMF under a nitrogen atmosphere at 0° C. was added 0.76 g (2.99 mmol) of BOPCl and 0.6 mL (3.45 mmol) of DIEA. After stirring for 30 minutes and 1.14 g (3.66 mmol) of 1-[2-(5-[3-methylbenzyl])-1,3,4-oxadiazolyl]-2-(S)-amino-3-methylbutan-1-ol hydrochloride and 0.6 mL of DIEA in 10 mL of anhydrous dichloromethane was added and the reaction mixture allowed to stir at 0° C. overnight. The reaction was diluted with dichloromethane and washed with water. The organic phase was dried over magnesium sulfate, filtered and evaporated under reduced pressure. The residue was purified by column chromatography on silica gel using 3% methanol/dichloromethane to afford 1.13 g (55%) of the title compound as a tan foam.

b. Fmoc-BTD-[1-(2-[5-(3-methylbenzyl)-1,3,4-oxadiazolyl]carbonyl)]-2-(S)-methylpropyl]amide

To a mixture containing 0.81 g (6.09 mmol) of N-chlorosuccinimide in 110 mL of 1:1 anhydrous dichloromethane/toluene at 0° C. under a nitrogen atmosphere was added 0.67 mL (9.1 mmol) of dimethyl sulfide. The mixture was allowed to stir for 30 minutes. The reaction was cooled to −25° C. using a carbon tetrachloride/dry ice bath, followed by the dropwise addition of a solution containing 1.06 g (1.52 mmol) of Fmoc-BTD-[1-(2-[5-(3-methylbenzyl)-1,3,4-oxadiazolyl]hydroxymethyl)-2-(S)-methylpropyl]amide in 10 mL of anhydrous toluene. The reaction was allowed to stir for 2 hours at −25° C. followed by the addition of 1.0 mL (7.6 mmol) of triethylamine. The cold bath was removed and the mixture was allowed to warm to room temperature over 40 minutes. The reaction mixture was diluted with ethyl acetate and washed with water. The organic phase was dried over magnesium sulfate. The resulting mixture was filtered, concentrated under reduced pressure and purified by column chromatography on silica gel with 70% ethyl acetate/hexane to give 0.53 g of the product as a yellow oil. The material was further purified by preparative HPLC to afford 0.41 g (38.8%) of the title compound as a white solid.

Example 30 (CE-2134)(R,S)-3-Amino-2-oxo-5-phenyl-1,4,-benzodiazepine-N-[1-(2-[5-(3-methylbenzyl)-1,3,4-oxadiazolyl]carbonyl)-2-(S)-methylpropyl]acetamide

To a solution containing 0.93 g (1.19 mmol) of (R,S)-FMOC-3-amino-2-oxo-5-phenyl-1,4,-benzodiazepine-N-[1-(2-[5-(3-methylbenzyl)-1,3,4-oxadiazolyl]carbonyl)-2-(S)-methylpropyl]acetamide in 6.0 mL of anhydrous DMF under an atmosphere of nitrogen was added 0.45 mL of diethylamine. After stirring at room temperature for 2.5 hr the mixture was concentrated under high vaccum. The residue was purified via preparative HPLC to afford 0.030 g (4.5%) of the title compound as a white solid. FAB MS [M+H] m/z; Calcd: 565, Found 565.

The intermediate (R,S)-FMOC-3-amino-2-oxo-5-phenyl-1,4,-benzodiazepine-N-[1-(2-[5-(3-methylbenzyl)-1,3,4-oxadiazolyl]carbonyl)-2-(S)-methylpropyl]acetamide was prepared as follows:

a. (R,S)-FMOC-3-amino-2-oxo-5-phenyl-1,4,-benzodiazepine-N-[1-(2-[5-(3-methylbenzyl)-1,3,4-oxadiazolyl]hydroxymethyl)-2-(S)-methylpropyll]acetamide

To a solution containing 0.75 g (1.41 mmol) of (R,S)-FMOC-3-amino-N-1-carboxymethyl-2-oxo-5-phenyl-1,4,-benzodiazepine in 30 mL of anhydrous dichloromethane under a nitrogen atmosphere at 0° C. was added 0.36 g (1.41 mmol) of BOPCl and 0.25 mL (1.41 mmol) of DIEA. After stirring for 1 hr 0.48 g (1.55 mmol) of 1-[2-[5-(3-methylbenzyl)-1,3,4-oxadiazolyl]-2-(S)-amino-3-methyl butan-1-ol hydrochloride and 0.49 mL (2.82 mmol) of DIEA in 10 mL of anhydous dichloromethane was added and the reaction mixture allowed to stir at 4° C. overnight. The reaction was diluted with ethyl acetate and washed with water. The organic phase was dried over magnesium sulfate, filtered and evaporated under reduced pressure. The residue was purified by column chromatography on silica gel using a gradient of 2 to 6% methanol/dichloromethane to afford 1.00 g (89%) of the title compound as a yellow solid.

b. (R,S)-FMOC-3-amino-2-oxo-5-phenyl-1,4,-benzodiazepine-N-[1-(2-[5-(3-methylbenzyl)-1,3,4-oxadiazolyl]carbonyl)-2-(S)-methylpropyl]acetamide

To a mixture containing 0.71 g (7.6 mmol) of N-chlorosuccinimide in 40 mL of anhydrous toluene at 0° C. under a nitrogen atmosphere was added 0.84 ml, (11.4 mmol) of dimethyl sulfide. The reaction was cooled to −25° C. using a carbon tetrachloride/dry ice bath followed by the dropwise addition of a solution containing 1.50 g (1.90 mmol) of (R,S)-FMOC-3-amino-2-oxo-5-phenyl-1,4,-benzodiazepine-N-[1-(2-[5-(3-methylbenzyl)-1,3,4-oxadiazolyl]hydroxymethyl)-2-(S)-methylpropyl]acetamide in 10 mL of anhydrous toluene. The reaction was allowed to stir for 2 hours at −25° C. followed by the addition of 1.0 mL (7.6 mmol) of triethylamine. The cold bath was removed and the mixture was allowed to warm to room temperature over 1 hour. The reaction mixture was diluted with ethyl acetate and washed with water. The organic phase was dried over magnesium sulfate. The residue was filtered, concentrated under reduced pressure to afford 0.94 g (62%) of material which was used without further purification. FAB MS [M+H] m/z; Calcd: 787, Found: 787.

Example 31 (CE-2145)(Benzyloxycarbonyl)-L-valyl-2-L-(2,3-dihydro-1H-indole)-N-[1-(2-[5-(3-methylbenzyl)-1,3,4-oxadiazolyl]carbonyl)-2-(S)-methylpropyl]amide

To a mixture containing 0.48 g (3.67 mmol) of N-chlorosuccinimide in 30 mL of anhydrous toluene at 0° C. under a nitrogen atmosphere was added 0.40 mL (5.41 mmol) of dimethyl sulfide. After stirring for 1 hr the reaction mixture was cooled to −25° C. using a carbon tetrachloride/dry ice bath followed by the dropwise addition of a solution containing 0.95 g (1.90 mmol) of (benzyloxycarbonyl)-L-valyl-2-L-(2,3-dihydro-1H-indole)-N-[1-(2-[5-(3-methylbenzyl)-1,3,4-oxadiazolyl]hydroxymethyl)-2-(S)-methylpropyl]amide in 20 mL of anhydrous toluene. The reaction was allowed to stir for 2 hours at −25° C. followed by the addition of 0.50 mL (3.6 mmol) of triethylamine. The cold bath was removed and the mixture was allowed to warm to room temperature. The reaction mixture was diluted with dichloromethane and washed with 1 N HC 1 (2×), saturated sodium bicarbonate (2×) and water. The organic phase was dried over magnesium sulfate. The mixture was filtered and concentrated under reduced pressure to afford 0.61 g. The residue was purified by column chromatography on silica gel with 50% ethyl acetate/hexane to afford 0.27 g of material which was further purified via preparative HPLC to afford 196 mg (33.4%) of the title compound as a white solid. FAB MS [M+H] m/z Calcd: 652, Found 652.

The intermediate (benzyloxycarbonyl)-L-valyl-2-L-(2,3-dihydro-1H-indole)-N-[1-(2-[5-(3-methylbenzyl)-1,3,4-oxadiazolyl]hydroxymethyl)-2-(S)-methylpropyl]amide was prepared by the following procedures:

a. 2-L-Methyl(2,3-dihydroindole)carboxylate

To a suspension containing 5.00 g (30.6 mmol) of 2-L-(2,3-dihydroindole)carboxylic acid in 100 mL of anhydrous MeOH cooled to 0° C. was added a slow stream of HC1 gas over 20 minutes. The resulting homogeneous solution was allowed to stir overnight warming to room temperature. The mixture was evaporated and the residue was crystallized from methanol/ether to afford, after drying, 5.58 g (85%) of 2-L-methyl(2,3-dihydroindole)carboxylate.

b. 2-Methyl[(S)-1-(N-[benzyloxycarbonyl]-L-valyl)-2,3-dihydro-1H-indole]carboxylate

To a solution containing 3.00 g (14.0 mmol) of methyl (2,3-dihydroindole)-L-2-carboxylate in 60 mL of anhydrous dichloromethane, under a nitrogen atmosphere at 0° C., 7.15 g (28.8 mmol) of BOPC 1 and 7.72 mL (70.2 mmol) of DIEA was added a solution of 7.06 g (28.08 mmol) of Cbz-Val-OH in 40 mL of anhydrous dichloromethane and 3 mL of DMF. After stirring for 3 days at 5° C. the mixture was diluted with ethyl acetate and washed with 1 N HCl (2×) and brine. The mixture was filtered and evaporated under reduced pressure. The residue was purified by column chromatography on silica gel using a gradient of 9:1 to 1:1 hexane/ethyl acetate to afford 4.85 g (87%) of the title compound as a white foam.

c. 2-[(S)-1-(N-[Benzyloxycarbonyl]-L-valyl)-2,3-dihydro-1H-indole]carboxylic acid

To a solution containing 4.85 g (12.17 mmol) of 2-methyl [(S)-1-(N-[benzyloxycarbonyl]-L-valyl)-2,3-dihydro-1H-indole]carboxylate in 45 mL of THF and 15 mL of MeOH at 0° C. was added 15.8 mL of 1 N LiOH dropwise. After 30 minutes 1 N HCl was added to pH 2 and the mixture extracted with ethyl acetate (3×). The combined organic phases were dried over magnesium sulfate, filtered and evaporated under reduced presure to afford 4.51 g (93%) of the title compound as a white solid.

d. (Benzyloxycarbonyl)-L-valyl-2-L-(2,3-dihydro-1H-indole)-N-[1-(2-[5-(3-methylbenzyl)-1,3,4-oxadiazolyl]hydroxymethyl)-2-(S)-methylpropyl]amide

To a solution containing 1.09 g (3.96 mmol) of 1-[2-(5-[3-methylbenzyl])-1,3,4-oxadiazolyl]-2-(S)-amino-3-methylbutan-1-ol and 1.31 g (3.3 mmol) of 2-[(S)-1-(N-[benzyloxycarbonyl]-L-valyl)-2,3-dihydro-1H-indole]carboxylic acid in 30 mL of anhydrous dichloromethane was added 1.21 mL, (6.93 mmol) of DIEA and 0.49 g (3.63 mmol) of HOBT. The mixture was cooled to 0° C. and 0.70 g (3.63 mmol) of EDCI was added and the reaction mixture was allowed to stir overnight. An additional 1.0 mL (7.44 mmol) of TEA was added and the reaction again allowed to stir overnight. The reaction was diluted with dichloromethane and washed with 1 N HCl (2×), saturated sodium bicarbonate (2×) and water. The organic phase was dried over magnesium sulfate, filtered and evaporated under reduced pressure. The residue was purified by column chromatography on silica gel with 80% ethyl acetate/hexane to afford 0.66 g (30%) of the title compound.

Example 32 (CE-2125)(Benzyloxycarbonyl)-L-valyl-2-L-(2,3-dihydro-1H-indole)-N-[1-(3-[5-(3-trifluoromethylbenzyl)-1,2,4-oxadiazolyl]carbonyl)-2-(S)-methylpropyl]amide

Prepared in a similar manner as in Example 30. FAB MS [M+H] m/z; Calcd: 706, Found: 706.

Example 33 (CE-2143) Acetyl-2-L-(2,3-dihydro-1H-indole)-N-[1-(3-[5-(3-trifluoromethylbenzyl)-1,2,4-oxadiazolyl]carbonyl)-2-(S)-methylpropyl]amide

Prepared in a similar manner as in Example 30. FAB MS [M+H] m/z; Calcd: 515, Found: 515.

Example 34 (CE-2165) N-Acetyl-2-(L)-(2,3-dihydro-1H-indole)-N-[1-(2-[5-(3-methylbenzyl)-1,3,4-oxadiazolyl]carbonyl)-2-(S)-methylpropyl]amide

Prepared in a similar manner as in Example 30. FAB MS [M+H] m/z; Calcd: 461; Found: 461.

Example 35 (CE-2104)(Morpholino-N-carbonyl)-L-valyl-N-[1-(2-[5-(3-methylbenzyl)-1,3,4-oxadiazolyl]carbonyl)-2-(S)-methylpropyl]-L-prolinamide

To a mixture containing 0.69 g (5.17 mmol) of N-chlorosuccinimide in 60 mL of anhydrous toluene at 0° C. under a nitrogen atmosphere was added 0.60 mL (8.17 mmol) of dimethyl sulfide. The reaction was cooled to −25° C. using a carbon tetrachloride/dry ice bath, followed by the addition of a solution containing (morpholino-N-carbonyl)-L-valyl-N-[1-(2-[5-(3-methyl benzyl)-1,3,4-oxadiazolyl]hydroxymethyl)-2-(S-)methyl propyl]-L-prolinamide (0.75 g, 1.28 mmol) in 10 mL of anhydrous toluene. The reaction was allowed to stir for 2 hours at −25° C. followed by the addition of 1.1 mL (0.83 g, 7,89 mmol) of triethylamine. The cold bath was removed and the reaction was allowed to warm to room temperature over 20 minutes. The reaction was diluted with ethyl acetate and washed with water. The organic phase was dried over magnesium sulfate and filtered. The solvents were evaporated in vacuo and the residue purified by column chromatography, 70% ethyl acetate/hexane on silica gel. Final purification was performed by preparative HPLC to afford 405 mg (54.3%) of the title compound as a white solid. FAB MS [M+H] m/z; Calcd: 583, Found: 583.

The intermediate (Morpholino-N-carbonyl)-L-valyl-N-[1-(2-[5-(3-methylbenzyl)-1,3,4-oxadiazolyl]hydroxymethyll)-2-(S)-methylpropyl]-L-prolinamide was prepared as follows:

a. (Morpholino-N-carbonyl)-L-valyl-L-proline-O-t-butyl ester

To a solution containing L-valyl-L-proline-O-t-butyl-ester (1.80 g, 5.87 mmol) in 80 mL of anhydrous methylene chloride and 1.5 mL (13.64 mmol) of N-methyl morpholine under a nitrogen atmosphere at 0° C. was added morpholine carbonyl chloride dropwise. The mixture was allowed to warm to room temperature overnight. The reaction was diluted with methylene chloride and washed with water. The organic layer was dried over magnesium sulfate, filtered and evaporated. The residue was purified by column chromatography on silica gel with 10% methanol/dichloromethane to afford 1.98 g (88%) of the title compound as a white solid. FAB MS [M+H] m/z; Calcd: 384, Found 384.

b. (Morpholino-N-carbonyl)-L-valyl-L-proline

To a solution containing (morpholino-N-carbonyl)-L-valyl-L-proline-O-t-butyl ester (2.0 g, 5.22 mmol) in 80 mL of anhydrous methylene chloride under a nitrogen atmosphere at 0° C. was added trifluoroacetic acid (13 mL, 130 mmol). The mixture was allowed to warm to room temperature overnight and the solvents were evaporated in vacuo to give 2.26 g of a viscous oil. The material was used without further purification.

C. (Morpholino-N-carbonyl)-L-valyl-N-[1-(2-[5-(3-methylbenzyl)-1,3,4-oxadiazolyl]hydroxymethyl)-2-(S)-methylpropyl]-L-prolinamide

To a solution containingn 0.95 g (2.90 mmol) of (morpholino-N-carbonyl)-L-valyl-Proline in 25 mL of anhydrous dichloromethane under a nitrogen atmosphere at 0° C. was added 0.80 g (3.14 mmol) of BOPCI and 1.5 mL (8.61 mmol) of DIEA. After 30 minutes, 0.75 g (2.41 mmol) of 1-[2-(5-[3-methylbenzyl])-1,3,4-oxadiazolyl]-2-(S)-amino-3-methylbutan-1-ol hydrochloride in 10 mL of dichloromethane and 1.1 mL (6.31 mmol) of DIEA were added. The reaction was allowed to stir at 0° C. overnight. The reaction was diluted with dichloromethane and washed with a saturated NaHCO₃ solution. The organic phase was dried over magnesium sulfate and filtered. The mixture was concentrated in vacuo and the residue purified by column chromatography on silica gel using 6% methanol/dichloromethane to afford 0.77 g (54.84%) of the title compound as a white solid. FAB MS [M+H] m/z; Calcd: 585, Found: 585.

Example 36 (CE-2079) 3-(S)-(Benzyloxycarbonyl)amino]-ε-lactam-N-[1-(2-[5-(3-methylbenzyl)-1,3,4-oxadiazolyl]carbonyl)-2-(S)-methylpropyl]acetamide

To a mixture containing 2.37 g (17.75mmol) of N-chlorosuccinimide in 100 mL of anhydrous toluene at 0° C. under a nitrogen atmosphere was added 1.94 mL (2.64 mmol) of dimethyl sulfide. The reaction was cooled to −25° C. using a carbon tetrachloride/dry ice bath, followed by the dropwise addition of a solution containing 2.5 g (4.44 mmol) of 3-(S)-[(benzyloxycarbonyl)amino]-ε-lactam-N-[1-(2-[5-(3-methylbenzyl)-1,2,4-oxadiazolyl]hydroxymethyl)-2-(S)-methyl propyl]acetamide in 20 mL of anhydrous toluene. Upon complete addition, the reaction was allowed to stir at −25° C. for 2 hours, followed by the addition of 3.0 mL (21.52 mmol) of triethylamine. The cold bath was removed and the reaction warmed to room temperature and stirred for 30 minutes. The reaction was diluted with ethyl acetate and washed with water. The organic phase was dried over magnesium sulfate. Filtration, removal of solvent and column chromatography of the residue on silica gel with 5% methanol/dichloromethane afforded 1.8 g of a pale yellow solid. Subsequent preparative HPLC gave 950 mg (38.1%) of the title compound as a white solid. FAB MS [M+H] m/z; Calcd: 562, Found: 562.

The intermediate 3-(S)-[(benzyloxycarbonyl)amino]-ε-lactam-N-[1-(2-[5-(3-methylbenzyl)-1,2,4-oxadiazolyl]hydroxymethyl)-2-(S)-methyl propyl]acetamide was prepared as follows:

a. 3-(S)-[(Benzyloxycarbonyl)amino]-ε-lactam

To a mixture containing 9.9 g (37.18 mmol) of Cbz-ornithine in 150 mL of acetonitrile under a nitrogen atmosphere was added 78 mL (369.70 mmol) of hexamethyldisilazane. The reaction was heated at reflux for 48 hours. The reaction mixture was cooled to room temperature and poured into 250 mL of cold methanol. The solvent was removed under reduced pressure. Chloroform was added and the mixture filtered through a plug of celite. The filtrate was concentrated under reduced pressure and the residue dissolved in ethyl acetate. Hexane was added until the solution was slightly turbid and then allowed to stand overnight. The resultant solid was filtered and dried to afford 8.37 g (90.7%) of the title compound.

b. N-[3-(S)-(Benzyloxycarbonyl)amino]-ε-lactam-t-butyl acetate

To a solution containing 1.0 g (4.03 mmol) of 3-(S)-[(benzyloxylcarbonyl)amino]-ε-lactam in 20 mL of anhydrous DMF under a nitrogen atmosphere was added 1.50 mL (10.16 mmol) of bromo-t-butyl acetate and 1.17 g (5.05 mmol) of silver oxide. The reaction was heated to 45° C. for 5 hours, diluted with acetonitrile and filtered through a pad of celite. The filtrate was concentrated under reduced pressure and the residue dissolved in ethyl acetate and washed with water. The organic phase was dried over magnesium sulfate. Filtration, removal of solvent and column chromatography of the residue on silica get with 60% ethyl acetate/hexane afforded 1.18 g (80.79%) of the title compound. FAB MS [M+H] m/z; Calcd: 363,Found:363.

c. N-[3-(S)-(Benzyloxycarbonyl)amino)-ε-lactam-carboxymethane

To a solution containing 0.55 g (1.52 mmol) of N-[3-(S)-(Benzyloxy carbonyl)amino]-ε-lactam-t-butyl acetate in 20 mL (15.58 mmol) of trifluoroacetic acid. The reaction was allowed to warm to room temperature overnight. The solvent was removed under reduced pressure. The residue was dissolved in ether acetate and washed with water. The organic phase was dried over magnesium sulfate. Filtration and removal of solvent afforded 0.50 of the title compound. FAB MS [M+H] m/z; Calcd: 307, Found: 307.

d. 3-(S)-[(Benzyloxycarbonyl)amino]-ε-lactam-N-[1-(2-[5-(3-methylbenzyl)-1,3,4-oxadiazolyl]hydroxymethyl)-2-(S)-methylpropylyacetamide

To a solution containing 2.72 g (8.88 mmol) of N-[3-(S)-(Benzyloxycarbonyl)amino]-ε-lactam-carboxymethane in 80 ml of dichloromethane under a nitrogen atmosphere at 0° C. was added 2.37 g (9.31 mmol) of BOPCI and 1.60 mL (9.91 mmol) of DIEA. The reacton was allowed to stir at 0° C. for 30 minutes followed by the addition of 2.37 g (7.60 mmol) of 1-[3-[5-(3-methylbenzyl)-1,3,4-oxadiazolyl]-2-(S)-amino-3methyl butan-1-ol hydrochloride in 20 mL of dichloromethane and 1.60 mL (9.19 mmol) of DIEA. The reaction was allowed to stir at 0° C. overnight. The reaction was diluted with dichloromethane and washed with water. The organic phase was dried over magnesium sulfate. Filtration, removal of solvent and column chromatography of the residue on silica get with 10% methanol/dichloromethane afforded 2.58 g (50.23%) of the title compound. FAB MS [M+H] m/z; Calcd: 564, Found: 564.

Example 37 (CE-2080) 3-(S)-Amino-ε-lactam-N-[1-(2-[5-(3-methylbenzyl)-1,3,4-oxadiazolyl]carbonyl)-2-(S)-methylpropyl]acetamide trifluoroacetic acid salt

This compound was prepared via deprotection of 3-(S)-[benzyloxycarbonyl)amino)-ε-lactam-N-[1-(2-[5-(3-methylbenzyl)-1,3,4-oxadiazolyl]carbonyl)-2-(S)-methyl propyl]acetamide under standard conditions to one skilled in the art to afford the title compound. FAB MS [M+H] m/z; Calcd: 428, Found: 428.

Example 38 (CE-2091) 3-(S)-[(4-Morpholino carbonyl-butanoyl)amino]-ε-lactam-N-[1-(2-[5-(3-methylbenzyl)-1,3,4-oxadiazolyl]carbonyl)-2-(R,S)-methylpropyl]acetamide

To a solution containing 0.089 g (0.475 mmol) of 4-morpholino carbonyl butanoic acid in 10 mL of dichloromethane under a nitrogen atmosphere at 0° C. was added 0.127 g (0.498 mmol) of BOPCI and 0.09 mL (0.492 mmol) of DIEA. The reaction was allowed to stir for 30 minutes followed by the addition of 0.22 g (0.406 mmol) of 3-(S)-amino-ε-lactam-N-[1-(2-[5-(3-methyl benzyl)-1,3,4-oxadiazolyl]carbonyl)-2-(R,S)-methyl propyl]acetamide trifluoroacetic acid salt. The reaction was allowed to stir at 0° C. overnight. The reaction was diluted with dichloromethane and washed with water. The organic phase was dried over magnesium sulfate. Filtration, removal of solvent and purification via preparative HPLC afforded 0.044 g (18%) of the title compound. FAB MS [M+H] m/z; Calcd: 597, Found: 597.

Example 39 (CE-2087) 6-[4-Fluorophenyl]-ε-lactam-N-[1-(2-[5-(3-methylbenzyl)-1,3,4-oxadiazolyl]carbonyl)-2-(S)-methylpropyl]acetamide

To a mixture containing 0.70 g (5.24 mmol) and N-chlorosuccinimide in 30 mL of anhydrous toluene at 0° C. under a nitrogen atmosphere was added 0.60 mL (8.17 mmol) of dimethyl sulfide. The reaction was cooled to −25° C. using a carbon tetrachloride/dry ice bath, followed by the dropwise addition of a solution containing 0.67 g (1.32 mmol) of 6-[4-fluorophenyl]-ε-lactam-N-[1-(2-[5-(3-methyl benzyl)-1,3,4-oxadiazolyl]hydroxymethyl)-2-(S)-methylpropyl]acetamide in 15 mL of anhydrous toluene. Upon complete addition, the reaction was allowed to stir at −25° C. for 2 hours followed by the addition of 0.90 mL (6.46 mmol) of triethylamine. The cold bath was removed and the reaction allowed to warm to room temperature and maintained for 20 min. The reaction was diluted with ethyl acetate and washed with water. The organic phase was dried over magnesium sulfate. Filtration, removal of solvent under reduced pressure and column chromotography of the residue on silica gel with 10% methanol/dichloromethane afforded 0.61 g of a pale yellow solid. Subsequent preparative HPLC gave 338 mg (50.5%) of the title compound. FAB MS [M+H] m/z; Calcd: 507, Found: 507.

The intermediate 6-[4-fluorophenyl]-ε-lactam-N-[1-(2-[5-(3-methylbenzyl)-1,3,4-oxadiazolyl]hydroxymethyl)-2-(S)-methylpropyl]acetamide was prepared as follows:

a. 6-[4-Fluorophenyl]-6-carboxymethylene-2-piperidinone

To a solution containing 2.15 g (8.11 mmol) of 6-[4-fluorophenyl]-1-carbomethoxymethylene-2-piperidinone, prepared in a similar fashion to that reported by Compernolle (Tetrahedron, 49:3193 (1993)) in 70 mL of methanol and 20 mL of water under a nitrogen atmosphere was added 0.55 g (13.11 mmol) of lithium hydroxide. The reaction was allowed to stir at room temperature for 2 hours. The solvent was removed under reduced pressure. The residue was diluted with water and washed with ethyl acetate. The aqueous phase was acidified with 1 N hydrochloric acid and extracted with ethyl acetate. The organic phase was dried over magnesium sulfate. Filtration and removal of solvent afforded 2.0 g (98.2%) of the title compound. FAB MS [M+H] m/z; Calcd: 252, Found: 252.

b. 6-[4-Fluorophenyl]-ε-lactam-N-[1-(2-[5-(3-methylbenzyl)-1,3,4-oxadiazolyl]hydroxymethyl)-2-(S)-methylpropyl]acetamide

To a solution containing 1.04 g (4.14 mmol) of 6-[4-fluorophenyl]-6-carboxymethylene-2-piperidinone in 25 mL of anhydrous dichloromethane under a nitrogen atmosphere at 0° C. was added 1.10 g (4.32 mmol) of BOPCI and 0.80 mL (4.59 mmol) of DIEA. After stirring for 30 minutes, a solution containing 1.1 g (3.53 mmol) of 1-[2-(5-[3-methylbenzyl])-1,3,4-oxadiazolyl]-2-(S)-amino-3-methylbutan-1-ol hydrochloride in 10 mL of dichloromethane and 1.10 mL (6.31 mmol) of DIEA. The reaction was allowed to stir at 0° C. overnight. The reaction was diluted with dichloromethane and washed with a saturated sodium bicarbonate solution. The organic phase was dried over magnesium sulfate. Filtration, removal of solvent under reduced pressure and column chromotography of the residue on silica gel with 10% methanol/dichloromethane afforded 736 mg (41.0%) of the title compound. FAB MS [M+H] m/z; Calcd: 509, Found: 509.

Example 40 (CE-2121) 2-[2-(R,S)-Phenyl-4-oxothiazolidin-3-yl]-N-[1-(2-[5-(3-methylbenzyl)-1,3,4-oxadiazolyl]carbonyl)-2-(S)-methylpropyl]acetamide

To a mixture containing 2.05 g (15.38 mmol) of N-chlorosuccinimide in 250 mL of anhydrous toluene at 0° C. under a nitrogen atmosphere was added 1.70 mL (23.06 mmol) of dimethyl sulfide. The reaction was cooled to −25° C. using a carbon tetrachloride/dry ice bath, followed by the addition of 1.90 g (3.84 mmol) of 2-[2-(R,S)-phenyl-4-oxothiazolidin-3-yl]-N-[1-(2-[5-(3-methylbenzyl)-1,3,4-oxadiazolyl]hydroxymethyl)-2-(S)-methylpropyl]acetamide in 20 mL of anhydrous toluene dropwise. The reaction was allowed to stir at −25° C. for 2 hours, followed by the addition of 2.52 mL (18.07 mmol) of triethylamine. The cold bath was removed and the reaction allowed to warm to room temperature over 40 minutes. The reaction was diluted with ethyl acetate and washed with water. The organic phase was dried over magnesium sulfate. Filtration, removal of solvent and column chromatography of the residue on silica gel with 60% ethyl acetate/hexane afforded 1.10 g of a yellow oil. This was further purified via preparative HPLC to give 0.45 g (24%) of the title compound as an off-white solid. FAB MS [M+H] m/z; Calcd: 493, Found 493.

The intermediate 2-[2-(R,S)-phenyl-4-oxothiazolidin-3-yl]-N-[1-(2-[5-(3-methylbenzyl)-1,3,4-oxadiazolyl]hydroxymethyl)-2-(S)-methypropyl]acetamide was prepared as follows: to a solution containing 1.78 g (7.51 mmol) of 2-(2-phenyl-4-oxothiazolidin-3-yl) acetic acid, prepared according to Holmes (J Org. Chem, 60:7328 (1995)), in 80 mL of dichloromethane under a nitrogen atmosphere at 0° C. was added 2.04 g (8.02 mmol) of BOPCI and 1.35 mL (7.76 mmol) of DIEA. After stirring for 30 minutes, 2.0 g (6.41 mmol) of 1-[3-[5-(3-methylbenzyl)]-1,3,4-oxadiazolyl]-2-(S)-amino-3-methyl-butan-1-ol hydrochloride in 50 mL of dichloromethane and 1.35 mL (7.76 mmol) of DIEA was added. The reaction was allowed to stir at 0° C. overnight. The reaction mixture was diluted with dichloromethane and washed with water. The organic phase was dried over magnesium sulfate, filtered and concentrated under reduced pressure. Column chromatography of the residue on silica gel with 4% methanol/dichloromethane afforded 2.30 g of a yellow foam. Subsequent preparative HPLC gave 1.9 g of the title compound. FAB MS [M+H] m/z; Calcd: 495, Found: 495.

Example 41

(CE-2122) 2-[2-(R,S)-Benzyl-4-oxothiazolidin-3-yl]-N-[1-(2-[5-(3-methylbenzyl)-1,3,4-oxadiazolyl]carbonyl)-2-(S)-methylpropyl]acetamide was prepared in a similar manner as in Example 39. FAB MS [M+H] m/z; Calcd: 507, Found: 507.

Example 42 (CE-2136) 2-[(2-(R,S)-Benzyl-4-oxothiazolidin-3-yl oxide]-N-[1-(2-[5-(3-methyl benzyl)-1,3,4-oxadiazolyl]carbonyl)-2-(R,S,)-methylpropyl]acetamide

To a solution containing 1.31 g (2.59 mmol) of 2-[2-(R,S)-benzyl-4-oxothiazolidin-3-yl)-N-[1-(2-[5-(3-methylbenzyl)-1,3,4-oxadiazolyl]carbonyl)-2-(S)-methyl propyl]acetamide in 15 mL of methanol under a nitrogen atmosphere was added 0.51 mL (5.17 mmol) of 30% hydrogen peroxide. The reaction was allowed to stir at room temperature overnight and then partitioned between brine and dichloromethane. The organic phase was dried over magnesium sulfate. Filtration, removal of solvent under reduced pressure and column chromotography of the residue on silica gel with 85% ethyl acetate/hexane afforded 0.73 g of a tan oil. Subsequent preparative HPLC gave 0.54 g (48%) of the title compound. FAB MS [M+H] m/z; Calcd: 523, Found 523.

Example 43 (CE-2137) 2-[2-(R,S)-Benzyl-4-oxothiazolidin-3-yl oxide]-N-[1-(3-[5-(3-trifluoromethylbenzyl)-1,2,4-oxadiazolyl]carbonyl)-2-(R,S,)-methylpropyl]acetamide

Prepared in a similar manner as in Example 41. FAB MS [M+H] m/z; Calcd: 577, Found 577.

Example 44 (CE-2118) 2-[2-(R,S)-Phenyl-4-oxometathiazan-3-yl]-N-[1-(2-[5-(3-methylbenzyl)-1,3,4-oxadiazolyl]carbonyl)-2-(S)-methylpropyl]acetamide

Prepared in a similar manner as in Example 39. FAB MS [M+H] m/z; Calcd: 507, Found: 507.

Example 45 (CE-2140)(1-Benzoyl-3,8-quinazolinedione)-N-[1-(2-[5-(3-methylbenzyl)-1,3,4-oxadiazolyl]carbonyl)-2-(S)-methylpropyl]acetamide

To a mixture containing 1.70 g (2.74 mmol) of N-chlorosuccinimide in 75 ml, of anhydrous toluene at 0° C. under a nitrogen atmosphere was added 1.70 ml, (23.15 mmol) of dimethyl sulfide. The reaction was cooled to −25° C. using a carbon tetrachloride/dry ice bath, followed by the addition of 1.90 g (3.27 mmol) of (1-Benzoyl-3,8-quinazolinedione)-N-[1(2-[5-(3-methylbenzyl)-1,3,4-oxadiazolyl]hydroxymethyl)-2-(S)-methyl propyl]acetamide in 10 mL of toluene dropwise. The reaction was allowed to stir at −25° C. for 2 hours, followed by the addition of 3.20 ml, (22.96 mmol) of triethylamine. The cold bath was removed and the reaction allowed to warm to room temperature and maintained for 15 minutes. The reaction was diluted with ethyl acetate and washed with water. The organic phase was dried over magnesium sulfate, filtered, and the solvent removed under reduced pressure. The residue was chromatographed on silica gel with 5% methanol/dichloromethane to afford 1.37 g of a brown oil. This was further purified via preparative HPLC to give 450 mg (40.1%) of the title compound. FAB MS [M+H] m/z;.Calcd: 580, Found: 580.

The intermediate (1-benzoyl-3,8-quinazolinedione)-N-[1-(2-[5-(3-methylbenzyl)-1,2,4-oxadiazolyl]hydroxymethyl)-2-(S)-methylpropyl]acetamide was prepared as follows:

a. 1-Benzoyl-3,8-quinazolinedione-2-t-butyl acetate

To a solution containing 5.0 g (18.78 mmol) of 1-Benzoyl-3,8-quinazolinidione prepared in a similar manner to that reported by Melnyk et al. (Tetrahedron Lett., 37:4145 (1996)), in 100 mL of DMF under a nitrogen atmosphere was added 4.30 mL (29.12 mmol) of bromo t-butylacetate and 5.4 g (23.30 mmol) of silver oxide. The reaction was heated to 50° C. overnight, diluted with ethyl acetate and washed with water. The organic phase was dried over magnesium sulfate. Filtration, removal of solvent under reduced pressure and column chromatography of the residue on silica gel with 40% ethyl acetate/hexane gave 5.25 g (73.49%) of product. FAB MS [M+H] m/z; Calcd: 381, Found:381.

b. 1-Benzoyl-2-carboxymethylene-3,8-quinazolinedione

To a solution containing 5.20 g (13.67 mmol) of 1-benzoyl-3,8-quinazolinedione-2-t-butyl acetate in 300 mL of dichloromethane under a nitrogen atmosphere at 0° C. was added 21.0 mL (211.44 mmol) of trifluroacetic acid. The reaction was allowed to warm to room temperature overnight. The solvent was removed under reduced pressure and the residue dissolved in ethyl acetate and washed with water. The organic phase was dried over magnesium sulfate. Filtration and removal of solvent afforded 4.32 g (97.45%) of the title compound. FAB MS [M+H]m/z; Calcd: 325, Found: 325.

c. (1-Benzoyl-3,8-quinazolinedione)-N-[1-(2-[5-(3-methylbenzyl)-1,3,4-oxadiazolyl]hydroxymethyl)-2-(S)-methylpropyl]acetamide

To a solution containing 1.80 g (5.55 mmol) of 1-benzoyl-2-carboxymethylene-3,8-quinazolinedione in 100 mL of anhydrous dichloromethane and 5 mL of DMF under a nitrogen atmosphere at 0° C. was added 1.90 g (7.46 mmol) of BOPCI and 1.40 mL (8.05 mmol) of DIEA. After stirring for 30 minutes, a solution containing 1.70 g (5.45 mmol) of 1-[2-(5-[3-methylbenzyl])-1,3,4-oxadiazolyl]-2-(S)-amino-3-methylbutan-1-ol hydrochloride in 20 mL of dichloromethane and 3.80 mL (21.84 mmol) of DIEA was added. The reaction was allowed to stir at 0° C. overnight, diluted with dichloromethane and washed with water. The organic phase was dried over magnesium sulfate. Filtration, removal of solvent under reduced pressure and column chromatography of the residue on silica gel with 10% methanol/dichloromethane afforded 1.93 g (60.9%) of the title compound. FAB MS[M+H]m/z; Calcd: 582, Found: 582.

Example 46 (CE-2138)(1-Benzoyl-3,6-piperazinedione)-N-[1-(2-[5-(3-methylbenzyl)-1,3,4-oxadiazolyl]carbonyl)-2-(S)-methylpropyl]acetamide

Prepared in a similar manner as in Example 44. FAB MS [M+H]m/z; Calcd: 532, Found: 532.

Example 47 (CE-2147)(1-Phenyl-3,6-piperazinedione)-N-[1-(2-[5-(3-methylbenzyl)-1,3,4-oxadiazolyl]carbonyl)-2-(S)-methylpropyl]acetamide

Prepared in a similar manner as in Example 44. FAB MS [M+H]m/z; Calcd: 504, Found: 504.

Example 48 (CE-2148)(1-Phenyl-3,6-piperazinedione)-N-[1-(3-[5-(3-trifluoromethylbenzyl)-1,2,4-oxadiazolyl]carbonyl)-2-(S)-methylpropyl]acetamide

Prepared in a similar manner as in Example 44. FAB MS [M+H] m/z; Calcd:558, Found: 558.

Example 49 (CE-2108) 3-[(Benzyloxycarbonyl)amino]-quinoline-2-one-N-[1-(2-[5-(3-methybenzyl)-1,3,4-oxadiazolyl]carbonyl)-2-(S)-methylpropyl]acetamide

To a mixture containing 0.16 g (1.18 mmol) of N-chlorosuccinimide in 20 mL of anhydrous toluene at 0° C. under a nitrogen atmosphere was added 0.13 mL (1.77 mmol) of dimethyl sulfide. The reaction was cooled to −25° C. using a carbon tetrachloride/dry ice bath followed by the addition of a solution containing 0.18 g (0.30 mmol) of 3-[(benzyloxycarbonyl)amino]-quinoline-2-one-N-[1-(2-[5-(3-methylbenzyl)-1,3,4-Oxadiazolyl]hydroxymethyl)-2-(S)-methylpropyl]acetamide in 20 mL of methylene chloride dropwise. The reaction was allowed to stir at −25° C. for 2 hours, followed by the addition of 0.19 mL (1.38 mmol) of triethylamine. The cold bath was removed and the reaction was allowed to warm to room temperature and maintained for 30 minutes. The reaction was diluted with ethyl acetate and washed with water. The organic phase was dried over magnesium sulfate. Filtration, removal of solvent under reduced pressure and column chromatography of the residue on silica gel with 3% methanol/dichloromethane afforded 0.23 g of an oil. Further purification via preparative HPLC gave 100 mg of the title compound. FAB MS [M+H] m/z; Calcd: 608, Found: 608

The intermediate 3-[(benzyloxycarbonyl)amino]-quinoline-2-one-N-[I-(2-[5-(3-methylbenzyl)-1,3,4-oxadiazolyl]hydroxymethyl)-2-(S)-methylpropyl]acetamide was prepared as follows:

a. 3-[(Benzyloxycarbonyl)amino]-quinoline-2-one

To a solution containing 0.5 g (3.10 mmol) of 3-amino-quinoline-2-(1H)-one described by Anderson, et. al. (J. Heterocyclic Chem., 30:1533 (1993)) in 40 mL, of dioxane under a nitrogen atmosphere was added 0.14 g (3.4 mmol) of sodium hydroxide in 14 ml, of water. The reaction mixture was cooled to 0° C., followed by the addition of 0.50 mL (3.4 mmol) of benzylchloroformate. The pH of the reaction was maintained above 8.0 with additional 1 N sodium hydroxide. The reaction was allowed to warm to room temperature and stirred for 2 hours. The reaction was diluted with methylene chloride and washed with water. The organic phase was dried over magnesium sulfate. Filtration, removal of solvent under reduced pressure and column chromatography of the residue on silica gel with 2% methanol/dichloromethane afforded 0.32 g (35%) of product as a white solid. FAB MS [M+H] m/z; Calcd: 295, Found: 295

b. 3-[(Benzyloxycarbonyl)amino]-quinoline-2-one-N-t-butyl-acetate

To a solution containing 0.30 g (1.02 mmol) of 3-[(benzyloxycarbonyl)amino]-quinoline-2-one in 20 mL of DMF under a nitrogen atmosphere was added 0.15 mL (1.02 mmol) of t-butyl bromoacetate and 0.24 g (1.02 mmol) of silver oxide. The reaction was heated to 70° C. and maintained overnight. The reaction mixture was diluted with acetonitrile and filtered through a pad of celite. The filtrate was concentrated under reduced pressure and the residue partitioned between ethyl acetate and water. The organic phase was dried over magnesium sulfate. Filtration, removal of solvent under reduced pressure and column chromatography of the residue on silica gel with dichloromethane afforded 0.20 g (48%) or product as a white solid. FAB MS [M+H] m/z; Calcd: 409, Found: 409.

c. 3-[(Benzyloxycarbonyl)amino]-1-carboxymethylene-quinoline-2-one

To a solution containing 1.30 g (3.18 mmol) of 3-[(benzyloxycarbonyl)amino]-quinoline-2-one-N-t-butyl-acetate in 35 mL of dichloromethane under a nitrogen atmosphere at 0° C. was added 2.45 mL (31.84 mmol) of trifluoroacetic acid. The reaction was allowed to warm to room temperature overnight. The solvent was removed under reduced pressure to afford 1.09 g (97%) of the title compound. FAB MS [M+H] m/z; Calcd: 353, Found: 353

d. 3-[(Benzyloxycarbonyl)amino]-quinoline-2-one-N-[1-(2-[5-(3-methylbenzyl)-1,3,4-oxadiazolyl]hydroxymethyl)-2-(S)-methylpropyl]acetamide

To a solution containing 1.09 g (3.09 mmol) of 3-[(benzyloxycarbonyl)amino]-1-carboxymethylene-quinoline-2-one in 50 mL of anhydrous dichloromethane and 3 mL of DMF under a nitrogen atmosphere at 0° C. was added 0.84 (3.31 mmol) of BOPCI and 1.10 mL (6.31 mmol) of DIEA. After stirring for 30 minutes, 0.82 g (2.65 mmol) of 1-[2-(5-[3-methylbenzyl])-1,3,4-oxadiazolyl]-2(S)-amino-3-methylbutan-1-ol hydrochloride in 8 mL of dichloromethane and 0.56 mL (3.20 mmol) of DIEA was added. The reaction was allowed to stir at 0° C. overnight, diluted with dichloromethane and washed with water. The organic phase was dried over magnesium sulfate. Filtration, removal of solvent under reduced pressure and column chromatography of the residue on silica gel with 5% methanol/dichloromethane afforded 0.37 g (30.3%) of product. FAB MS [M+H] m/z; Calcd: 610, Found: 610

Example 50 (CE-2107) 3-[(Benzyloxycarbonyl)amino]-7-piperidinyl-quinoline-2-one-N-[1-(2-[5-(3-methybenzyl)-1,3,4-oxadiazolyl]carbonyl)-2-(S)-methylpropyl]acetamide

Prepared in a similar manner as shown in Example 48. FAB MS.[M+H] m/z; Calcd: 691, Found: 691

Example 51 (CE-2117) 3-Carbomethoxy-4-fluoro-quinoline-2-one-N-[1-(2-[5-(3-methylbenzyl)-1,3,4-oxadiazolyl]carbonyl)-2-(S)-methylpropyl]acetamide

Prepared in a similar manner as shown in Example 48. FAB MS [M+H] m/z; Calcd: 535, Found: 535

Example 52 (CE-2113) 3-(Amino-quinoline-2-one)-N[1-(2-[5-(3-methylbenzyl)-1,3,4-oxadiazolyl]carbonyl)-2-(S)-methylpropyl]acetamide

To a solution containing 2.30 g (3.79 mmol) of 3-[(benzyloxycarbonyl)amino]-quinoline-2-one-N-[1-(2-[5-(3-methyl benzyl)-1,3,4-oxadiazolyl]-carbonyl)-2-(S)-methyl propyl]acetamide in 60 mL of trifluoroacetic acid under a nitrogen atmosphere at 0° C. was added 0.53 mL (4.54 mmol) of thioanisole. The reaction was allowed to warm to room temperature overnight. The solvent was removed under reduced pressure. Subsequent preparative HPLC afforded 0.61 g (27%) of the title compound. FAB MS [M+H] m/z; Calcd: 474, Found: 474

Example 53 (CE-2116) 3-[(4-Morpholino)aceto]amino-quinoline-2-one-N-[1-(2-[5-(3-methylbenzyl)-1,3,4-oxadiazolyl]carbonyl)-2-(S)-methylpropyl]acetamide

To a solution containing 0.32 g (1.22 mmol) of 4-morpholino acetic acid in 18 mL of dichloromethane under a nitrogen atmosphere at 0° C. was added 0.33 g (1.30 mmol) of BOPCI and 0.22 mL (1.26 mmol) of DIEA. After stirring for 1.5 hours, a solution containing 0.61 g (1.04 mmol) of 3-(amino-quinoline-2-one)-N-[1-(2-[5-(3-methylbenzyl)-1,3,4-oxadiazolyl]carbonyl)-2-(S)-methypropyl]acetamide in 20 mL of dichloromethane was added followed by 0.22 mL (1.26 mmol) of DIEA. The reaction was allowed to stir at 0° C. overnight, diluted with dichloromethane and washed with water. The organic phase was dried over magnesium sulfate. Filtration, removal of solvent under reduced pressure and preparative HPLC afforded 0.20 g (27%) of the title compound. FAB MS [M+H] m/z; Calcd: 602, Found: 602

Example 54 (CE-2088) 3,4-Dihydro-quinoline-2-one-N-[1-(2-[5-(3-methylbenzyl)-1,3,4-oxadiazolyl]carbonyl)-2-N-methylpropyl]acetamide from commercially available 3,4-Dihydro-2(1H)-quinoline-2-one

Prepared in a similar manner as shown in Example 52. FAB MS [M+H] m/z; Calcd: 461, Found: 461

Example 55 (CE-2099) 1-Acetyl-3-benzylidene piperazine-2,5-dione-N-[1-(2-[5-(3-methylbenzyl)-1,3,4-oxadiazolyl]carbonyl)-2-(S)-methylpropyl]acetamide

To a solution containing 0.55 g (4.15 mmol) of N-chlorosuccinimide in 35 mL of anhydrous toluene at 0° C. under a nitrogen atmosphere was added 0.46 mL (6.22 mmol) of dimethyl sulfide. The reaction was cooled to −25° C. using a carbon tetrachloride/dry ice bath, followed by the addition of a solution containing 0.58 g (1.04 mmol) of 1-acetyl-3-benzilidene piperazine-2,5-dione-N-[1-(2-[5-(3-methylbenzyl)-1,3,4-oxadiazolyl]hydroxymethyl)-2-(S)-methylpropyl]acetamide in 8 mL of toluene. The reaction was allowed to stir at 25° C. for 2 h, followed by the addition of 0.68 mL (4.87 mmol) of triethylamine. The cold bath was removed and the reaction was allowed to warm to room temperature and maintained for 40 minutes. The reaction was partitioned between ethyl acetate and water. The organic phase was dried over magnesium sulfate. Filtration, removal of solvent under reduced pressure and column chromatography of the residue on silica gel 60% ethyl acetate/hexane gave 0.54 g of a brown oil which was further purified via preparative HPLC to give 146 mg (25%) of the title compound. FAB MS [M+H] m/z; Calcd: 558, Found: 558.

The intermediate 1-acetyl-3-benzylidine piperazine-2,5-dione-N-[1-(2-[5-(3-methylbenzyl)-1,3,4-oxadiazolyl]hydroxymethyl)-2-(S)-methylpropyl]acetamide was prepared as follows:

a: 1-Acetyl-3-benzylidene piperazine-2,5-dione-N-butyl acetate

To a solution containing 6.36. g (26.00 mmol) of 1-Acetyl-3-benzylidene piperazine-2,5-dione described by D. Villemn, et al. (Synthetic Communications, 20:3325 (1990)), in 100 mL of DMF under nitrogen atmosphere was added 9.62 mL (65.10 mmol) of t-butyl bromoacetate and 7.55 g (32.60 mmol) of silver oxide. The reaction was heated to 45° C. overnight. The reaction was filtered through a plug of celite and the filtrate concentration under reduced pressure. The residue was diluted with ethyl acetate and washed with water. The organic phase was dried over magnesium sulfate. Filtration, removal of solvent under reduced pressure and column chromatography of the residue on silica gel with 1% methanol/dichloromethane gave 5.37 g of a tan solid. Further purification via preparative HPLC gave 2.5 g (27%) of the title compound. FAB MS [M+H] m/z: Calcd: 359, Found: 359.

b. 1-Acetyl-3-benzylidene-4-carboxymethylene-piperazine-2,5-dione

To a solution containing 2.50 g (6.98 mol) of 1-acetyl-3-benzylidene piperazine-2,5-dione-N-t-butyl acetate in 100 mL of dichloromethane under nitrogen atmosphere at 0° C. was added 5.40 mL (69.80 mmol) of trifluoroacetic acid. The reaction was allowed to warm to room temperature overnight. The solvent was removed under reduced pressure and the residue diluted with ethyl acetate and washed with a saturated sodium bicarbonate solution. The aqueous phase was acidified with 1 N hydrochloric acid and extracted with ethyl acetate. The organic phase was dried over magnesium sulfate. Filtration and removal of solvent under reduced pressure gave 1.96 g (96%) of product as a tan solid. FAB MS [M+H] m/z; Calcd: 303, Found: 303.

c. 1-Acetyl-3-benzylidene piperazine-2,5-dione-N-[1-(2-[5-(3-methylbenzyl)-1,3,4-oxadiazolyl]hydroxymethyl)-2-(S)-methylpropyl[acetamide

To a solution containing 0.65 g (2.14 mmol) of 1-acetyl-3-benzylidene-4-carboxymethylene-piperazine-2,5-dione in 40 mL of anhydrous dichloromethane and 3 mL of DMF under a nitrogen atmosphere at 0° C. was added 0.57 g (2.24 mmol) of BOPCI and 0.39 mL (2.21 mmol) of DIEA. After stirring for 30 minutes, a solution containing 0.57 g (1.83 mmol) of 1-[2-(5-[3-methylbenzyl]-1,3,4-oxadiazolyl]-2-(amino-3-methylbutna-1-ol hydrochloride in 10 mL of dichloromethane and 0.39 mL (2.21 mmol) of DIEA. The reaction was allowed to stir at 0° C. overnight, diluted with dichloromethane and washed with water. The organic phase was dried over magnesium sulfate. Filtration, removal of solvent under reduced pressure and column chromatography of the residue on silica gel with 5% methanol/dichloromethane gave 0.13 g (57%) of product. FAB MS [M+H] m/z Calcd: 560, Found: 560.

Example 56 (CE-2105) 1-Acetyl-3-(4-fluorobezylidne)piperazine-2,5-dione-N-[1-(2-[5-(3-methylbenzyl)-1,3,4-oxadiazolyl]carbonyl)-2-(S)-methylpropyl]acetamide

Prepared in a similar manner as show in Example 54. FAB MS [M+H] m/z; Calcd: 576, Found 576.

Example 57 (CE-2111) 1-Acethyl-3-(4-dimethylamino benzylidene)piperazine-2,5-dione-n-[1,(2-[5-(3-methylbenzyl)-1,3,4-oxadiazolyl]carbonyl)-2-(S)-methylpropyl]acetamide

Prepared in a similar manner as shown in Example 54. FAB MS [M+H] m/z; Calcd: 601, Found: 601.

Example 58 (CE-2112) 1-Acetyl-3-(4-carbomethoxy benzylidene)piperazine-2,5-dione-N-[1-(2-[5-(3-methylbenzyl)-1,3,4-oxadiazolyl]carbonyl)-2-(S)-methylpropyl]acetamide

Prepared in a similar manner as shown in Example 54. FAB MS[M+H] m/z; Calcd: 616, Found: 616.

Example 59 (CE-2114) 1-Acetyl-3-[(4-pyridyl)methylene]piperazine-2,5-dione-N-[1-(2-[5-(3-methylbenzyl)-1,3,4-oxadiazolyl]carbonyl)-2-(S)-methylpropyl]acetamide

Prepared in a similar manner as shown in Example 54. FAB MS[M+H] m/z; Calcd: 559, Found: 559.

Example 60 (CE-2144) 4-[1-Benzyl-3-(R)-benzyl-piperazine-2,5,-dione]-N-[1-(2-[5-(3-methylbenzyl)-1,3,4-oxadiazolyl]carbonyl)-2-(S)-methylpropyl]acetamide

To a mixture containing 2.20 g (16.48 mmol) of N-chlorosuccinimide in 100 ml, of anhydrous toluene under a nitrogen atmosphere at 0° C. was added 2.1 ml, (28.59 mmol) of dimethyl sulfide. The reaction was cooled to −25° C. using a carbon tetrachloride/dry ice bath, followed by the addition of a solution containing 2.5 g (4.10 mmol) of 4-[1-benzyl-3-(R)-benzyl piperazine-2,5,-dione]-N-[1-(2-[5-(3-methylbenzyl)-1,3,4-oxadiazolyl]hydroxymethyl)-2-(S)-methylpropyl]acetamide in 15 mL of toluene. The reaction was allowed to stir at −25° C. for 2 hours, followed by the addition of 4.0 mL (28.70 mmol) of triethylamine. The cold bath was removed and the reaction allowed to warm to room temperature and maintained for 30 minutes. The reaction was diluted with ethyl acetate and washed with water. The organic phase was dried over magnesium sulfate. Filtration, removal of solvent under reduced pressure, and column chromatography of the residue on silica gel with 5% methanol/dichloromethane afforded 2.27 g of a light brown solid which was further purified via preparative HPLC to give 350 mg (14.4%) of the title compound. FAB MS [M+H]m/z; Calcd: 608, Found: 608.

The intermediate 4-[1-benzyl-3-(R)-benzyl piperazine-2,5,-dione]-N-[1-(2-[5-(3-methylbenzyl)-1,3,4-oxadiazolyl]hydroxymethyl)-2-(S)-methylpropyl/acetamide was prepared as follows:

a. 1-Benzyl-3-(R)-benzyl piperazine-2,5-dione-4-t-butyl acetate

To a solution containing 7.0 g (23.78 mmol) of 1-benzyl-3-(R)-benzyl piperazine-2,5-dione described by Steele, et al. (J. Biorg, Med. Chem. Lett., 5:47 (1995)) in 125 mL of DMF under a nitrogen atmosphere was added 5.30 mL (35.89 mmol) of t-butyl bromoacetate and 6.80 g (29.34 mmol) of silver oxide. The reaction was heated to 50° C. overnight, diluted with ethyl acetate and washed with water. The organic phase was dried over magnesium sulfate. Filtration, removal of solvent under reduced pressure and column chromatography of the residue on silica gel with 50% ethyl acetate/hexane afforded 7.74 g (79.7%) of the title compound as a white solid. FAB MS[M+m/z; Calcd:409,Found::409.

b. 1-Benzyl-3-(R)-benzyl-4-carboxymethylene-piperazine-2,5-dione

To a solution containing 7.70 g (18.85 mmol) of 1-Benzyl-3-(R)-benzyl piperazine-2,5-dione-4-t-butyl acetate in 300 mL of dichoromethane under a nitrogen atmosphere at 0° C. was added 19.0 mL(191.30 mmol) of trifluroacetic acid. The reaction was allowed to warm to room temperature overnight. The solvent was removed under reduced pressure and the residue dissolved in ethyl acetate and washed with water. The organic phase was dried over magnesium sulfate. Filtration and removal of solvent under reduced pressure afforded 6.69 g of product. FAB MS[M+H]m/z; Calcd:353,Found:353.

c. 4-[1-Benzyl-3(R)-benzylpiperazine-2,5,-dione]-N-[1-(2-[5-(3-methylbenzyl)-1,3,4-oxadiazolyl]hydroxymethyl)-2-(S)-methylpropyl]acetamide

To a solution containing 2.0 g (5.68 mmol) of 1-Benzyl-3-(R)-benzyl-4-carboxymethylene-piperazine-2,5-dione in 100 mL of dichloromethane and 2 mL of DMF under a nitrogen atmosphere at 0° C. was added 2.0 g (7.86 mmol) of BOPCI and 1.50 mL (8.62 mmol) of DIEA. After stirring for 30 minutes, a solution containing 1.80 g (5.7 mmol) of 1-[2-(5-[3-methylbenzyl])-1,3,4-oxadiazolyl]-2-(S)-amino-3-methylbutan-1-ol hydrochloride in 10 mL of dichloromethane and 4.0 mL (22.99 mmol) of DIEA. The reaction was allowed to stir at 0° C. overnight, diluted with dichloromethane and washed with water. The organic phase was dried over magnesium sulfate. Filtration, removal of solvent under reduced pressure and column chromatography of the residue on silica gel with 7% methanol/dichloromethane afforded 2.69 g (77.7%) of product. FAB MS[M+H]m/z; Calcd:610, Found: 610.

Example 61 (CE-2128) 4-[1-Benzyl-3-(S)-benzylpiperazine-2,5,-dione]-N-[1-(2-[5-(3-methylbenzyl)-1,3,4-oxadiazolyl]carbonyl)-2-(S)-methylpropyl]acetamide

Prepared in a similar manner as shown in Example 59. FAB MS[M+H]m/z; Calcd:608, Found: 608.

Example 62 (CE-2146) 4-[1-Benzyl-3-(R)-benzylpiperazine-2,5,-dione]-N-[1-(3-[5-(3-trifluoromethylbenzyl)-1,2,4-oxadiazolyl]carbonyl)-2-(S)-methylpropyl]acetamide

Prepared in a similar manner as shown in Example 59. FAB MS[M+H]m/z; Calcd:662, Found:662.

Example 63 (CE-2129) 4-[1-Benzyl-3-(S)-benzylpiperazine-2,5,-dione]-N-[1-(3-[5-(3-trifluoromethylbenzyl)-1,2,4-oxadiazolyl]carbonyl)-2-(S)-methylpropyl]acetamide

Prepared in a similar manner as shown in Example 59. FAB MS[M+H]m/z; Calcd:662, Found:662.

Example 64 (CE-2133) 4-[1-Benzyl-3-(S)-benzylpiperazine-2,5,-dione]-N-[1-(3-[5-(2-dimethylaminoethyl)-1,2,4-oxadiazolyl]carbonyl)-2-(S)-methylpropyl]acetamide

Prepared in a similar manner as shown in Example 59. FAB MS[M+H]m/z; Calcd:575, Found: 575.

Example 65 (CE-2084) 4-[1-Methyl-3-(R,S)-phenylpiperazine-2,5,-dione]-N-[1-(3-[5-(3-trifluoromethylbenzyl)-1,2,4-oxadiazolyl]carbonyl)-2-(S)-methylpropyl]acetamide

Prepared in a similar manner as shown in Example 59. FAB MS[M+H]m/z; Calcd:572, Found:572.

Example 66 (CE-2106) 4-[1-Methyl-3-(R,S)-phenylpiperazine-2,5,-dione]-N-[1-(2-[5-(3-methylbenzyl)-1,3,4-oxadiazolyl]carbonyl)-2-(S)-methylpropyl]acetamide

Prepared in a similar manner as shown in Example 59. FAB MS[M+H]m/z; Calcd:518, Found: 518.

Example 67 (CE-2162) 4-[1-(2-N-Morpholino ethyl)-3-(R)-benzyl piperazine-2,5,-dione]-N-[1-(2-[5-(3-methylbenzyl)-1,3,4-oxadiazolyl]carbonyl)-2-(S)-methylpropyl]acetamide

Prepared in a similar manner as shown in Example 59. FAB MS[M+H]m/z; Calcd:631, Found: 631.

Example 68 (CE-2149) 5-(R,S)-Phenyl-2,4-imidazolidinedione-N-[1-(2-[5-(3-methylbenzyl)-1,3,4-oxadiazolyl]carbonyl)-2-(S)-methylpropyl]acetamide

To a mixture containing 0.28 g (2.10 mmol) of N-chlorosuccinimide in 50 mL of anhydrous toluene under a nitrogen atmosphere at 0° C. was added 0.23 mL (3.13 mmol) of dimethyl sulfide. The reaction was cooled to −25° C. using a carbon tetrachloride/dry ice bath, followed by the addition of a solution containing 0.26 g (0.52 mmol) of 5-(R,S)-phenyl-2,4-imidazolidinedione-N-[1-(2-[5(3-methylbenzyl)-1,3,4-oxadiazolyl]hydroxymethyl)-2-(S)-methylpropyl]acetamide in 10 mL of toluene. The reaction was allowed to stir at −25° C. for 2 hours, followed by the addition of 0.30 mL (2.15 mmol) of triethylamine. The cold bath was removed and the reaction allowed to warm to room temperature and maintained for 30 minutes. The reaction was diluted with ethyl acetate and washed with water. The organic phase was dried over magnesium sulfate. Filtration, removal of solvent under reduced pressure and column chromatography of the residue of silica gel with 10% methanol/dichloromethane, followed by preparative HPLC gave 120 mg (47.2%) of the title compound. FAB MS[M+H]m/z; Calcd:490, Found: 490.

The intermediate 5-(R,S)-phenyl-2,4-imidazolidinedione-N-[1-(2-[5(3-methylbenzyl)-1,3,4-oxadiazolyl]hydroxymethyl)-2-(S)-methylpropyl]acetamide was prepared as follows:

a. (R)-N-(Ethoxy carbonylmethyl)-N′-(1-methoxy carbonyl-2-phenyl)urea

To a solution containing 18.45 g (91.49 mmol) of (R)-2-phenylglycine methylester in 250 mL of ethyl acetate and 13.4 mL (96.12 mmol) of triethylamine under a nitrogen atmosphere at 0° C. was added 10 mL (91.49 mmol) of ethyl isocyanatoacetate. After stirring for 1 h, the reaction was diluted with ethyl acetate and washed with water. The organic phase was dried over magnesium sulfate. Filtration and removal of solvent under reduced pressure afforded 29.28 g (97.6%) of product as a white solid. FAB MS[M+Hl]m/z; Calcd: 235, Found: 235.

b. (R)-5-Phenyl-3-carboxymethyl hydantoin

A mixture containing 29.28 g (99.49 mmol) of (R)-N-(ethoxy carbonylmethyl)-N′-(1-methoxy carbonyl-2-phenyl)urea in 500 mL of concentrated hydrochloric acid was heated to reflux overnight. The reaction mixture was cooled to room temperature and extracted with ethyl acetate. The organic phase was dried over magnesium sulfate. Filtration and removal of solvent under reduced pressure afforded 14.01 g (60%) of the title compound. FAB MS [M+Hl m/z; Calcd: 295, Found: 295.

c. 5-(R,S)-phenyl-2,4-imidazolidinedione-N-[1-(2-[5(3-methylbenzyl)-1,3,4-oxadiazolyl]hydroxymethyl)-2-(S)-methylpropyl]acetamide

To a solution containing 2.55 g (10.89 mmol) of ((R)-5-phenyl-3-carboxymethyl hydantoin in 100 mL of dichloromethane and 10 mL of DMF under a nitrogen atmosphere at 0° C. was added 2.30 g (12.00 mmol) of EDCI and 1.62 g (11.99 mmol) of HOBT. After stirring 30 minutes, a solution containing 4.43 g (14.21 mmol) of 1-[²-(5-[3-methylbenzyl])-1,3,4-oxadiazolyl]-2-(S)-amino-3-methylbutan-1-ol hydrochloride in 20 mL of dichloromethane and 4.78 mL (43.50 mmol) of NMM. The reaction was allowed to warm to room temperature overnight, diluted with dichloromethane and washed with water. The organic phase was dried over magnesium sulfate. Filtration, removal of solvent under reduced pressure and column chromatography of the residue on silica gel with 50% acetone/dichloromethane afforded 1.90 g (35.5%) of the title compound. FAB MS [M+H] m/z; Calcd: 490, Found: 490.

Example 69 (CE-2154) 5-(S)-Benzyl-2,4-imidazolidinedione-N-[1-(2-[5-(3-methylbenzyl)-1,3,4-oxadiazolyl]carbonyl)-2-(S)-methylpropyl]acetamide

Prepared in a similar manner as shown in Example 67. FAB MS [M+Hl m/z; Calcd: 504, Found: 504.

Example 70 (CE-2142) 5-(R)-Benzyl-2,4-imidazolidinedione-N-[1-(2-[5-(3-methylbenzyl)-1,3,4-oxadiazolyl]carbonyl)-2-(S)-methylpropyl]acetamide

Prepared in a similar manner as shown in Example 67. FAB MS [M+H] m/z; Calcd: 504, Found: 504.

Example 71 (CE-2141) 5-(R)-Benzyl-2,4-imidazolidinedione-N-[1-(3-[5-(3-trifluoromethylbenzyl)-1,2,4-oxadiazolyl]carbonyl)-2-(S)-methylpropyl]acetamide

Prepared in a similar manner as shown in Example 67. FAB MS [M+H] m/z; Calcd: 558, Found:558.

Example 72 (CE-2155) 5-(S)-Benzyl-2,4-imidazolidinedione-N-[1-(3-[5-(3-trifluoromethylbenzyl)-1,2,4-oxadiazolyl]carbonyl)-2-(S)-methylpropyl]acetamide

Prepared in a similar manner as shown in Example 67. FAB MS [M+H] m/z; Calcd: 558, Found:558.

Example 73 (CE-2151) 1-Benzyl-4-(R)-benzyl-2,5-imidazolidinedione-N-[1-(2-[5-(3-methylbenzyl)-1,3,4-oxadiazolyl]carbonyl)-2-(S)-methylpropyl]acetamide

Prepared in a similar manner as shown in Example 67. FAB MS [M+H] m/z; Calcd: 594, Found: 594.

Example 74 (CE-2150) 1-Benzyl-4-(R)-benzyl-2,5-imidazolidinedione-N-[1-(3-[5-(3-trifluoromethylbenzyl)-1,2,4-oxadiazolyl]carbonyl)-2-(S)-methylpropyl]acetamide

Prepared in a similar manner as shown in Example 67. FAB MS [M+H] m/z; Calcd: 648, Found:648.

Example 75 (ONO-PO-698) 2-[5-(Benzyloxycarbonyl)amino-6-oxo-2-(4-fluorophenyl)-1,6-dihydro-1-pyrimidinyl]-N-[1-(2-[5-tert-butyl-1,3,4-oxadiazolyl]carbonyl)-2-(S)-methylpropyl]acetamide

To a mixture containing 410 mg (0.744 mmol, 77% purity) of Dess-Martin Reagent (1,1,-triacetoxy-1,1-dihydro-1,2,benziodoxol-3-(1H)-one) in 4 mL of dichloromethane was added dropwise a solution containing 410 mg (0.676 mmol) of 2-[5-benzyloxycarbonyl)amino-6-oxo-2-(4-fluorophenyl)-1,6-dihydro-1-pyrimidinyl]-N-[1-(2-[5-tert-butyl-1,3,4-oxadiazolyl]hydroxymethyl)-2-(S)-methylpropyl]acetamide in 5 mL of dichloromethane. The reaction mixture was allowed to stir for 1 hour. The reaction was quenched by addition of water, extracted with ethyl acetate (×2). The extract was washed with water and a saturated sodium chloride solution. The organic phase was dried over anhydrous sodium sulfate, filtered and evaporated under reduced pressure. The residue was purified by column chromatography on silica gel using a elution of 33% ethyl acetate/hexane to afford 372 mg of the tittle compound. APCI, Pos, 40V [M+H] m/z; Calcd: 605, Found: 605.

The intermediate 2-[5-(Benzyloxycarbonyl)amino-6-oxo-2-(4-fluorophenyl)-1,6-dihydro-1-pyrimidinyl]-N-[1-(2-[5-tert-butyl-1,3,4-oxadiazolyl]hydroxymethyl)-2-(S)-methylpropyl]acetamide was prepared as follows: to a solution containing 265 mg (1.01 mmol) of [1-[5-tert-butyl-1,3,4-oxadiazol-2-yl]-2-(S)-amino-1-hydroxy-3-methylbutane hydrochloride and 336 mg (0.843 mmol) of 5-[(Benzyloxycarbonyl)amino]-6-oxo-2-(4-fluorophenyl)-1,6-dihydro-1-pyrimidinyl]acetic acid (J. Med. Chem., 38:98-108 (1995)) in 2 mL of anhydrous DMF was added 155 mg (1.01 mmol) of HOBT and 231 mg (1.01 mmol) of EDCl. The mixture was cooled to 0° C. and 0.11 mL (1.0 mmol) of NMM was added dropwise and the reaction mixture was allowed to stir for 3 hours. The reaction was quenched by addition of water and extracted with ethyl acetate (×3). The extract was washed with aqueous 10% citric acid solution, a saturated sodium hydrogencarbonate solution and a saturated sodium chloride solution. The organic phase was dried over anhydrous sodium sulfate, filtered and evaporated under reduced pressure. The residue was purified by column chromatography on silica gel using a gradient elution of 0 to 1% methanol/chloroform to afford 418 mg of the tittle compound. APCI, Pos, 40V [M+H] m/z; .Calcd: 607, Found: 607.

Example 76

(ONO-PO-690) 2-[5-(Benzyloxycarbonyl)amino-6-oxo-2-(4-fluorophenyl)-1,6-dihydro-1-pyrimidinyl]-N-[1-(2-[5-(α,α-dimethylbenzyl)-1,3,4-oxadiazolyl]carbonyl)-2-(S)-methylpropyl]acetamide was prepared in a similar manner to Example 75. APCI, Pos, 40V [M+H] m/z; Calcd: 667, Found: 667.

Example 77

(ONO-PO-697) 2-[5-(Benzyloxycarbonyl)amino-6-oxo-2-(4-fluorophenyl)-1,6-dihydro-1-pyrimidinyl]-N-[1-(2-[5-phenyl-1,3,4-oxadiazolyl]carbonyl)-2-(S)-methylpropyl]acetamide was prepared in a similar manner to Example 75. El, Pos, [M+H] m/z; Calcd: 624, Found: 624.

Example 78

(ONO-PO-716) 2-[6-oxo-2-(4-fluorophenyl)-1,6-dihydro-1-pyrimidinyl]-N-[1-(2-[5-tert-butyl-1,3,4-oxadiazolyl]carbonyl)-2-(S)-methylpropyl]acetamide was prepared in a similar manner to Example 75. APCI, Neg, 40V [M-H] m/z; Calcd: 454, Found: 454.

Example 79

(ONO-PO-722) 2-[6-oxo-2-(4-fluorophenyl)-1,6-dihydro-1-pyrimidinyl]-N-[1-(2-[5-(α,α-dimethylbenzyl)-1,3,4-oxadiazolyl]carbonyl)-2-(S)-methylpropyl]acetamide was prepared in a similar manner to Example 75 APCI, Neg, 40V [M-H] m/z; Calcd: 516, Found: 516.

Example 80

(ONO-PO-727) 2-[6-oxo-2-(4-fluorophenyl)-1,6-dihydro-1-pyrimidinyl]-N-[1-(2-[5-tert-butyl-1,3,4-oxadiazolyl]carbonyl)-2-(R)-methylpropyl]acetamide was prepared in a similar manner to Example 75. APCI, Pos, 40V [M+H] m/z; Calcd: 456, Found: 456.

Example 81

(ONO-PO-730) 2-[6-oxo-2-phenyl-1,6-dihydro-1-pyrimidinyl]-N-[1-(2-[5-tert-butyl-1,3,4-oxadiazolyl]carbonyl)-2-(S)-methylpropyl]acetamide was prepared in a similar manner to Example 75. APCI, Neg, 40V [M-H] m/z; Calcd: 436, Found: 436.

Example 82

(ONO-PO-731) 2-[6-oxo-2-phenyl-1,6-dihydro-1-pyrimidinyl]-N-[1-(2-[5-(α,α-dimethylbenzyl)-1,3,4-oxadiazolyl]carbonyl)-2-(S)-methylpropyl]acetamide was prepared in a similar manner to Example 75. APCI, Neg, 40V [M-H] m/z; Calcd: 498, Found: 498.

Example 83

(ONO-PO-732) 2-[6-oxo-2-phenyl-1,6-dihydro-1-pyrimidinyl]-N-[1-(2-[5-tert-butyl-1,3,4-oxadiazolyl]carbonyl)-2-(R)-methylpropyl]acetamide was prepared in a similar manner to Example 75. APCI, Pos, 40V [M+H] m/z; Calcd: 438, Found: 438.

Example 84

(ONO-PO-734) 2-[6-oxo-2-(4-fluorophenyl)-1,6-dihydro-1-pyrimidinyl]-N-[1-(2-[5-(1-methylcyclopropyl)-1,3,4-oxadiazolyl]carbonyl)-2-(S)-methylpropyl]acetamide was prepared in a similar manner to Example 75. APCI, Pos, 40V [M+H] m/z; Calcd: 454, Found: 454.

Example 85

(ONO-PO-735) 2-[6-Oxo-2-phenyl-1,6-dihydro-1-pyrimidinyl]-N-[1-(2-[5-(1-methylcyclopropyl)-1,3,4-oxadiazolyl]carbonyl)-2-(S)-methylpropyl]acetamide was prepared in a similar manner to Example 75. APCI, Pos, 40V [M+H] m/z; Calcd: 436, Found: 436.

Example 86

(ONO-PO-737) 2-[6-oxo-2-phenyl-1,6-dihydro-1-pyrimidinyl]-N-[1-(2-[5-tert-butyl-1,3,4-oxadiazolyl]carbonyl)-2-(R,S)-methylpropyl]acetamide was prepared in a similar manner to Example 75. APCI, Pos, 40V [M+H] m/z; Calcd: 438, Found:438.

Example 87

(ONO-PO-696) 2-[5-Amino-6-oxo-2-(4-fluorophenyl)-1,6-dihydro-1-pyrimidinyl]-N-[1-(2-[5-tert-butyl-1,3,4-oxadiazolyl]carbonyl)-2-(S)-methylpropyl]acetamide

To a mixture containing 296 mg (0.49 mmol) of 2-[5-(benzyloxycarbonyl)amino-6-oxo-2-(4-fluorophenyl)-1,6,-dihydro-1-pyrimidinyl]-N-[1-(2-[5-tert-butyl-1,3,4-oxadiazolyl]carbonyl)-2-(S)-methylpropyl]acetamide and 0.32 mL (2.9 mmol) of anisole in 8 mL of dichloromethane at OEC was added dropwise a solution containing 392 mg (2.9 mmol) of aluminum chloride in 4 mL of nitromethane. The reaction mixture was allowed to stir for 1.5 hours, quenched by addition of ice water, extracted with ethyl acetate (×3). The extract was washed with water and a saturated sodium chloride solution. The organic phase was dried over anhydrous magnesium sulfate, filtered and evaporated under reduced pressure. The residue was purified by column chromatography on silica gel using a elution of 66% ethyl acetate/hexane to afford 175 mg of the tittle compound as a white solid. APCI, Pos, 40V [M+H] m/z; Calcd: 471, Found: 471.

Example 88

(ONO-PO-691) 2-[5-Amino-6-oxo-2-(4-fluorophenyl)-1,6-dihydro-1-pyrimidinyl]-N-[1-(2-[5-(α,α-dimethylbenzyl)-1,3,4-oxadiazolyl]carbonyl)-2-(S)-methylpropyl]acetamide was prepared in a similar manner to Example 91. FAB, Pos, [M+H] m/z; Calcd: 533, Found: 533.

Example 89

(ONO-PO-692) 2-[5-Amino-6-oxo-2-(4-fluorophenyl)-1,6-dihydro-1-pyrimidinyl]-N-[1-(2-[5-(α,α-dimethyl-3-methylbenzyl)-I ,3,4-oxadiazolyl]carbonyl)-2-(S)-methylpropyl]acetamide was prepared in a similar manner to Example 91. FAB, Pos, [M+H] m/z; Calcd: 547, Found: 547.

Example 90

(ONO-PO-693) 2-[5-Amino-6-oxo-2-(4-fluorophenyl)-1,6-dihydro-1-pyrimidinyl]-N-[1-(2-[5-(3-methylbenzyl)-1,3,4-oxadiazolyl]carbonyl)-2-(R)-methylpropyl]acetamide was prepared in a similar manner to Example 91. FAB, Pos, [M+H] m/z; Calcd: 519, Found: 519.

Example 91

(ONO-PO-694) 2-[5-Amino-6-oxo-2-(4-fluorophenyl)-1,6-dihydro-1-pyrimidinyl]-N-[1-(2-[5-phenyl-1,3,4-oxadiazolyl]carbonyl)-2-(S)-methylpropyl)acetamide was prepared in a similar manner to Example 91. APCI, Pos, 40V [M+H] m/z; Calcd: 491, Found:491.

Example 92

(ONO-PO-695) 2-[5-Amino-6-oxo-2-(4-fluorophenyl)-1,6-dihydro-1-pyrimidinyl]-N-[1-(2-[5-(3-pyridyl)-1,3,4-oxadiazolyl]carbonyl)-2-(S)-methylpropyl]acetamide was prepared in a similar manner to Example 91. APCI, Pos, 40V [M+H] m/z; Calcd: 492, Found: 492.

Example 93

(ONO-PO-699) 2-[5-Amino-6-oxo-2-4-fluorophenyl)-1,6-dihydro-1-pyrimidinyl]-N-[1-(2-[5-(4-methoxyphenyl)-1,3,4-oxadiazolyl]carbonyl)-2-(S)-methylpropyl]acetamide was prepared in a similar manner to Example 91. FAB, Pos [M+H] m/z; Calcd: 521, Found: 521.

Example 94

(ONO-PO-701) 2-[5-Amino-6-oxo,-2-(4-fluorophenyl)-1,6-dihydro-1-pyrimidinyl]-N-[1-(2-[5-((α,α-dimethyl)-3,4-dihydroxybenzyl)-1,3,4-oxadiazolyl]carbonyl)-2-(S)-methylpropyl]acetamide was prepared in a similar manner to Example 91. APCI, Pos, 40V [M+H] m/z; Calcd: 565, Found: 565.

Example 95

(ONO-PO-703) 2-[5-Amino-6-oxo-2-(4-fluorophenyl)-1,6-dihydro-1-pyrimidinyl]-N-[1-(2-[5-benzyl-1,3,4-oxadiazolyl]carbonyl)-2-(S)-methylpropyl]acetamide was prepared in a similar manner to Example 91. APCI, Pos, 40V [M+H] m/z; Calcd: 505, Found:505.

Example 96

(ONO-PO-704) 2-[5-Amino-6-oxo-2-(4-fluorophenyl)-1,6-dihydro-1-pyrimidinyl]-N-[1-(2-[5-methyl-1,3,4-oxadiazolyl]carbonyl)-2-(S)-methylpropyl]acetamide was prepared in a similar manner to Example 91. FAB, Pos [M+H] m/z; Calcd: 429, Found:429.

Example 97

(ONO-PO-705) 2-[5-Amino-6-oxo-2-(4-fluorophenyl)-1,6-dihydro-1-pyrimidinyl]-N-[1-(2-[5-isopropyl-1,3,4-oxadiazolyl]carbonyl)-2-(S)-methylpropyl]acetamide was prepared in a similar manner to Example 91. APCI, Pos, 40V [M+H] m/z; Calcd: 457, Found: 457.

Example 98

(ONO-PO-706) 2-[5-Amino-6-oxo-2-(4-fluorophenyl)-1,6-dihydro-1-pyrimidinyl]-N-[1-(2-[5-butyl-1,3,4-oxadiazolyl]carbonyl)-2-(S)-methylpropyl]acetamide was prepared in a similar manner to Example 91. FAB, Pos [M+H] m/z; Calcd: 471, Found: 471.

Example 99

(ONO-PO-707) 2-[5-Amino-6-oxo-2-phenyl-1,6-dihydro-1-pyrimidinyl]-N-[1-(2-[5-tert-butyl-1,3,4-oxadiazolyl]carbonyl)-2-(S)-methylpropyl]acetamide was prepared in a similar manner to Example 91. FAB, Pos [M+H] m/z; Calcd: 453, Found: 453.

Example 100

(ONO-PO-711) 2-[5-Amino-6-oxo-2-phenyl-1,6-dihydro-1-pyrimidinyl]-N-[1-(2-[5-(α,α-dimethybenzyl-1,3,4-oxadiazolyl]carbonyl)-2-(S)-methylpropyl]acetamide was prepared in a similar manner to Example 91. FAB, Pos [M+H] m/z; Calcd: 515, Found: 515.

Example 101

(ONO-PO-712) 2-[5-Amino-6-oxo-2-(3-pyridyl)-1,6-dihydro-1-pyrimidinyl]-N-[1-(2-[5-tert-butyl-1,3,4-oxadiazolyl]carbonyl)-2-(S)-methylpropyl]acetamide was prepared in a similar manner to Example 91. APCI, Pos, 40V [M+H] m/z; Calcd:454, Found:454.

Example 102

(ONO-PO-714) 2-[5-Amino-6-oxo-2-(4-fluorophenyl)-1,6-dihydro-1-pyrimidinyl]-N-[1-(2-[5-(1-methylcyclopropyl)-1,3,4-oxadiazolyl]carbonyl)-2-(S)-methylpropyl]acetamide was prepared in a similar manner to Example 91. APCI, Pos, 40V [M+H] m/z; Calcd: 469, Found: 469.

Example 103

(ONO-PO-715) 2-[5-Amino-6-oxo-2-(3-pyridyl)-1,6-dihydro-1-pyrimidinyl]-N-[1-(2-[5-(α,α-dimethylbenzyl)-1,3,4-oxadiazolyl]carbonyl)-2-(S)-methylpropyl]acetamide was prepared in a similar manner to Example 91. APCI, Pos, 40V [M+H] m/z; Calcd: 516,. Found: 516.

Example 104

(ONO-PO-718) 2-[5-Amino-6-oxo-2-(4-fluorophenyl)-1,6-dihydro-1-pyrimidinyl]-N-[1-(2-[5-tert-butyl-1,3,4-oxadiazolyl]carbonyl)-2-(R)-methylpropyl]acetamide was prepared in a similar manner to Example 91. APCI, Pos, 40V [M+H3 m/z; Calcd: 471, Found: 471.

Example 105

(ONO-PO-721) 2-[5-Amino-6-oxo-2-(4-fluorophenyl)-1,6-dihydro-1-pyrimidinyl]-N-[1-(2-[5-(α,α-dimethylbenzyl)-1,3,4-oxadiazolyl]carbonyl)-2-(R)-methylpropyl]acetamide was prepared in a similar manner to Example 91. APCI, Pos, 40V [M+H] m/z; Calcd: 533, Found:533.

Example 106

(ONO-PO-728) 2-[5-Amino-6-oxo-2-phenyl-1,6-dihydro-1-pyrimidinyl]-N-[1-(2-[5-(1-methylcyclopropyl)-1,3,4-oxadiazolyl]carbonyl)-2-(S)-methylpropyl]acetamide was prepared in a similar manner to Example 91. APCI, Neg, 40V [M−H] m/z; Calcd:449, Found:559.

Example 107

(ONO-PO-729) 2-[5-Amino-6-oxo-2-phenyl-1,6-dihydro-1-pyrimidinyl]-N-[1-(2-[5-tert-butyl-1,3,4-oxadiazolyl]carbonyl)-2-(R)-methylpropyl]acetamide was prepared in a similar manner to Example 91. APCI, Pos, 40V [M+H] m/z; Calcd:453, Found:453.

Example 108

(ONO-PO-733) 2-[5-Amino-6-oxo-2-(4-fluorophenyl)-1,6-dihydro-1-pyrimidinyl)-N-[1-(2-[5-tert-butyl-1,3,4-oxadiazolyl]carbonyl)-2-(R,S)-methylpropyl]acetamide was prepared in a similar manner to Example 9 1. APCI, Pos, 40V [M+H] m/z; Calcd:471, Found:471.

Example 109

(ONO-PO-736) 2-[5-Amino-6-oxo-2-(4-fluorophenyl)-1,6-dihydro-1-pyrimidinyl]-N-[1-(2-[5-tert-butyl-1,3,4-oxadiazolyl]carbonyl)-2-(R,S)-methylpropyl]acetamide was prepared in a similar manner to Example 9 1. APCI, Pos, 40V [M+H] m/z; Calcd:453, Found:453.

Example 110

(ONO-PO-700) 2-[5-Amino-6-oxo-2-(4-fluorophenyl)-1,6-dihydro-1-pyrimidinyl]-N-[1-(2-[5-(α,α-dimethyl-3,4-methylenedioxybenzyl)-1,3,4-oxadiazolyl]carbonyl)-2-(S)-methylpropyl]acetamide

To a mixture containing 66 mg (0.093 mmol) of 2-[5-(benzyloxycarbonyl)amino-6-oxo-2-(4-fluorophenyl)-1,6-dihydro-1-pyrimidinyl]-N-[1-(2-[5-((α,α-dimethyl-3,4-methylenedioxybenzyl)-1,3,4-oxadiazolyl]carbonyl)-2-(S)-methylpropyl]acetamide (the compound prepared in a similar manner to Example 75) was added 2.5 mL of 30% hydrobromic acid in acetic acid solution. The reaction mixture was allowed to stir for 1 hour, quenched by addition of ice water, extracted with ethyl acetate (×3). The extract was washed with water (×2) and a saturated sodium chloride solution. The organic phase was dried over anhyudrous sodium sulfate, filtered and evaporated under reduced pressure. The residue was purified by column chromatography on silica gel using a gradient elution of 0 to 1% methanol/chloroform to afford 41 mg of the title compound. E1, Pos, [M+] m/z; Calcd:576, Found:576.

Example 111

(ONO-PO-702) 2-[5-(Methylsulfonyl)amino-6-oxo-2-(4-fluorphenyl)-1,6-dihydro-1-pyrimidinyl]-N-[1-(2-[5-(3-methylbenzyl)-1,3,4-oxadiazolyl]carbonyl)-2-(S)-methylpropyl]acetamide

To a mixture containing 187 mg (0.36 mmol) of 2-[5-amino-6-oxo-2-(4-fluorophenyl)-1,6-dihydro-1-pyrimidinyl]-N-[1-(2-[5-(3-methylbenzyl)-1,3,4-oxadiazolyl]carbonyl)-2-(S)-methylpropyl]acetamide (the compound prepared in Example 25) in 3.5 mL of pyridine at 0EC under an atmosphere of argon was added 0.028 mL (0.36 mmol) of mesyl chloride. The reaction mixture was allowed to stir for 17 hours at room temperature, 15 hours at 50EC and 1 hour at 70EC. The reaction mixture was quenched by addition of ice water, extracted with dichloromethane. The extract was washed with a saturated sodium chloride solution. The organic phase was dried over anhydrous sodium sulfate, filtered and evaporated under reduced pressure. The residue was purified by column chromatography on silica gel using a gradient elution of 50 to 66% ethyl acetate/hexane to afford 60 mg of the tittle compound. APCI, Pos, 40V [M+H] m/z; Calcd: 597, Found:597.

Example 112 In Vitro Inhibition of Elastase

The following protocol was used to determine inhibitory activity of ONO-PO series of compounds. The elastase used in the protocol was derived from human sputum (HSE). A mother solution of the HSE enzyme was prepared from commercially available HSE (875 U/mg protein, SE-563, Elastin Product Co., Inc., Missouri, USA) by diluting with saline to 1,000 U/ml, which was further diluted to 2 U/ml at 0° C. prior to use.

A solution was prepared by mixing 100 μl 0.2 M HEPES-NaOH buffer (pH 8.0), 40 μl 2.5 M NaCl, 20 μl 1% polyethyleneglycol 6000, 8 μl distilled water, 10 μl of a DMSO solution of inhibitor and 2 μl solution of N-methoxysuccinyl-Ala-Ala-Pro-Val-p-nitroaniline (at concentrations of 100, 200 and 400 μM). The solution was incubated for 10 minutes at 37° C. To this was added an enzyme solution of HSE (elastase derived from human sputum). The resulting mixture was subjected to the following rate assay.

Optical density (SPECTRA MAX 250, Molecular Devices) at 405 nm due to p-nitroaniline generated by the enzyme reaction was measured at 37° C. in order to measure the reaction rate during the period that the production rate of p-nitroaniline remains linear. The rate, mO.D./min., was measured for 10 minutes at 30 second intervals immediately after the addition of the enzyme solution. IC₅₀ values were determined by log-logit method and converted to K_(i) values by Dixson plot method. The values are presented in Table 2 below.

TABLE 2 Compound K_(i) (nM) ONO-PO-690 78.3 ONO-PO-691 0.52 ONO-PO-692 1.37 ONO-PO-693 2.71 ONO-PO-694 24.8 ONO-PO-695 13.9 ONO-PO-696 6.38 ONO-PO-697 27.3 ONO-PO-698 0.77 ONO-PO-699 21.2 ONO-PO-700 1.18 ONO-PO-701 2.98 ONO-PO-702 1.78 ONO-PO-703 2.25 ONO-PO-704 14.0 ONO-PO-705 10.7 ONO-PO-706 6.76 ONO-PO-707 3.59 ONO-PO-708 729.9 ONO-PO-709 25.7 ONO-PO-711 2.55 ONO-PO-712 16.6 ONO-PO-713 12 ONO-PO-714 15.3 ONO-PO-715 3.54 ONO-PO-716 44.3 ONO-PO-717 57.8 ONO-PO-718 26.2 ONO-PO-719 836.3 ONO-PO-720 25.9 ONO-PO-721 13.5 ONO-PO-722 3.35 ONO-PO-723 163.1 ONO-PO-724 14.4 ONO-PO-725 4281.4 ONO-PO-726 589.5 ONO-PO-727 132.8 ONO-PO-728 8.75 ONO-PO-729 29.1 ONO-PO-730 23.5 ONO-PO-731 4.02 ONO-PO-732 62.2 ONO-PO-733 11.8 ONO-PO-734 43.8 ONO-PO-735 26.4 ONO-PO-736 6.43 ONO-PO-737 36.3

CE compounds were tested as described in WO 96/16080. Results are presented in Table 2 below. As shown, the compounds of the invention are potent inhibitors of elastase, with certain compounds showing subnanomolar levels of inhibitory activity.

Example 113 Blood Level Screening

The inhibitors were dissolved or suspended in polyethylene glycol (PEG), PEG-400 or PEG:H₂O:EtOH at a concentration of 10 mg/ml. Unfasted male Sprague-Dawley rats were given an oral dose of this solution by gavage. Rats received 10 mg inhibitor/kg body weight in a volume of 1 ml/kg. After 1,3 or 6 hr., the rats were killed with an overdose of urethane (2.5 g/kg; i.p.) and the blood collected in a heparinized tube via cardiac puncture. Red blood cells were separated from the plasma by centrifugation.

Depending on the inhibitor, one of four organics (ethyl acetate, toluene, isopropyl ether or methyl t-butyl ether) was used to extract the compound from the plasma. Inhibitor concentrations were measured by HPLC or LC/MS analysis. The results are presented in Table 2 below. Certain compounds of the invention demonstrate high levels of oral bioavailability as shown by their blood level concentrations over time.

Example 114 Extracellular Matrix (ECM) Assay Procedure

Forty-eight well plates on which extracellular matrix had been established were supplied to Cortech by Dr. Simon's group at the State University of New York at Stony Brook. Briefly, the plates were prepared as follows: R22 rat heart smooth muscle cells were seeded into wells at 2.5×10⁴ cells/cm. The cells were fed every 4 days with Eagle's Minimal Essential Media supplemented with fetal bovine serum, tryptose phosphate broth, cefotaxime and streptomycin. At confluence, daily supplements of 50 ug/ml ascorbic acid were added for 8 to 10 days during the synthesis of the ECM layer. [³⁵DS]sulfate and [³H]proline were also added to the culture media to incorporate radiolabel into the matrix. Cells were later lysed with 25 mM NH₄OH. Plates were washed three times with water and once with phosphate-buffered saline containing 0.02% NaN₃. Plates were stored at 4° C. until use.

Matrix degradation assays were performed as follows: 0.40 ml of Hanks balance salt solution (HBSS) containing 1 or 5 uM test inhibitor (final concentration; diluted from DMSO stock solution; <2% DMSO final concentration) was added to the wells. After 30 minutes, 50 ul of a polymorphoneucleocyte (PMN) suspension was added resulting in 5×10⁵ cells/well. PMN's were stimulated with opsonized zymosan. Zymosan particles were washed and suspended in 0.5 ml human serum for 1 hr at 37° C., vortexing every 15 min. The particles were then washed three times with HBSS and added to wells at a ratio of 10 particles/PMN in a volume of 50 ul. After a 4 hr incubation at 37° C., a 100 ul aliquot of the supernatant was withdrawn for scintillation counting. Following removal of the remaining supernatant, the residual ECM was solubilized with 0.5 ml 2M NaOH. The amount of tritium in this solubilized ECM was accessed by scintillation. ECM degradation data are expressed as (soluble counts released/total ECM counts)−(basal counts released without PMN's/total ECM counts). The results are presented in Table 3 below.

TABLE 3 ECM DATA % HNE K_(i) Inhibition Plasma Levels (μM) CE# (nM) 1 uM 5 uM 1 hr 3 hr 6 hr CE2048 0.2 CE2049 0.5 CE2050 1.84 CE2051 1.56 CE2052 0.37 CE2053 0.41 CE2054 0.29 CE2055 0.49 0.002 CE2056 0.98 CE2057 0.375 CE2058 0.564 CE2061 71600 CE2062 0.3 CE2064 0.44 CE2065 0.47 CE2066 0.98 CE2067 3.6 CE2068 800 CE2069 4.4 CE2072 0.025 64.8 74.55 0.277 0.115 0.061 CE2073 0.235 CE2074 1 CE2075 0.039 CE2076 1.5 CE2077 0.15 CE2078 1.05 CE2079 34 CE2080 62 CE2082 53 CE2083 73 CE2084 133 CE2087 20 CE2088 66 0.801 0.755 CE2089 1.5 CE2090 2.7 CE2091 270 CE2092 6.3 CE2093 0.26 CE2094 10 CE2095 0.21 60.43 55.63 CB2096 0.79 CE2097 115 CE2098 85 CE2099 1.9 0.042 CE2100 0.069 57.63 56.56 0.064 CE2101 0.64 44.582 51.18 1.238 1.369 1.042 CE2102 258 CE2103 12.4 CE2104 0.33 CE2105 0.72 CE2106 41 CE2107 17 CE2108 10.5 CE2109 126 CE2110 0.13 CE2111 20 0.69 CE2112 1.2 CE2113 39 1.835 0.909 CE2114 25 CE2115 1 CE2116 76 CE2117 586 CE2118 13.2 CE2119 7.7 CE2120 51 CE2121 28 CE2122 63 CE2123 15 CE2124 0.033 CE2125 0.4 0.011 CE2126 5 0.161 CE2127 34 CE2128 64 CE2129 300 CE2130 2.1 16.32 29.02 0.162 CE2131 265 CE2132 23.5 CE2133 33000 CE2134 2 21.71 25.724 5.02 CE2135 17.5 0 37 CE2136 104 CE2137 558 CE2138 294 CE2139 41 CE2140 204 CE2141 64 0.005 CE2142 8.7 CE2143 11.5 CE2144 9.3 CE2145 0.038 CE2146 67 CE2147 1600 CE2149 0.28 51.275 55.9 0 0 0 CE2151 59 14.25 −8.3 CE2152 0.24 CE2154 10 54.6 65.4 CE2155 57 CE2156 512 CE2157 1.4 9.96 13.42 3.81 CE2159 52 CE2160 260 CE2161 0.082 25 55 CE2162 10.6 0.025 CE2163 0.75 54.7 64 0.316 CE2164 17 0.034 CE2165 2.6 0.067 CE2166 145 CE2168 0.15 CE2170 297 CE2171 0.64 CE2172 2.2 0.021 CE2173 6.5 35.9 47.1 CE2174 15.2 1.49 18.3 1.86 0.97 CE2176 52 CE2177 0.016 74.2 76.78 0.393 0.41 0 CE2178 0.29 34 0.185 CE2179 7.6 48.8 45.9 1.229 0.599 CE2180 44 CE2181 46 CE2182 54 CE2183 0.23 CE2184 8.2 30.5 32.4 0.57 CE2185 0.27 CE2186 0.037 CE2187 42 CE2189 99 CE2190 29 CE2191 85 29.35 30.5 CE2192 7.3 40.8 49.7 CE2193 36 CE2194 2.4 41 58.7 1.11 0.553 CE2195 10.6 CE2196 96 CE2197 4.8 CE2198 3.1 CE2200 13.7 CE2202 0.12 CE2203 79 0.004 CE2204 7.4 0.48 CE2205 37 0.475 CE2206 8.7 47.4 62.3 CE2207 1.2 0 CE2208 40 CE2209 36.4 0 CE2210 22.7 CE2211 348 CE2212 124 CE2213 0.14 0.19 CE2214 0.92 0 CE2215 163 1.16 0.83 0.63 CE2216 4.1 32.1 37.15 0.77 0.47 0.25 CE2217 5.5 28.1 41.2 1.99 0.521 CE2218 1.6 30.5 33.15 CE2219 537 CE2220 52 CE2221 34 CE2223 0.93 34.15 36.15 CE2224 1 43.25 66.8 1.843 1.943 1.961 CE2225 8.2 30.85 43.45 CE2226 10.3 27.55 52.25 CE2227 40 1.276 0.74 0.962 CE2228 40 0.714 1.393 0.409 CE2229 9.5 31.25 48.2 CE2230 2.6 37.7 37.8 0 CE2231 16 1.226 0.787 0.531 CE2232 0.15 0.44 0.44 0.26 CE2233 41.6 54.7 55.4 0.07 0.065 0.036 CE2234 796 39.7 35 CE2235 9.5 19.75 13.25 CE2236 7.1 31.9 31.75 CE2237 3 34.6 42.6 1.02 1.8 0.84 CE2238 162 10.1 18.8 2.573 1.739 1.028 CE2239 43 11.9 11.3 1.46 1.15 0.71 CE2240 30 16.8 13.5 1.12 0.5 0.29 CE2241 14 18.6 31.7 0.598 0.289 0.078 CE2242 27 29.4 40.7 CE2243 11 48 54.9 2.801 2.104 1.598 CE2244 78.5 CE2245 24 34.7 39.3 CE2246 18.5 −2.3 32.6 1.182 0.837 0.496 CE2247 62.4 13.3 21.2 1.017 0.572 0.186 CE2248 3.1 39.4 63.2 1.65 1.58 1.22 CE2249 13 22.4 42.4 1.179 0.704 0.213 CE2250 6.9 27.4 48.6 CE2251 0.43 54.1 74.5 1.63 1.11 0.73 CE2252 1.9 45.4 65.2 0.114 0.188 0.1 CE2253 11 31.9 45.9 0.282 0.246 0.163 CE2254 2.4 57.2 58.4 1.751 1.575 2.316 CE2255 18 20.7 42 CE2256 16 24 47.8 0.9 0.33 0.2 CE2257 30 48.3 61.4 CE2258 3.7 42.9 38.1 1.624 1.5 1.212 CE2259 3.3 43 59.6 0.597 0.846 0.502 CE2260 0.39 68.3 59.7 3.532 3.053 1.894 CE2261 0.36 CE2262 0.42 CE2263 0.67

Example 115 Ex vivo Inhibition of Elastase

Sixty (60) minutes after the oral administration of an inhibitor with an appropriate vehicle, a blood sample (0.9 ml) is collected through the abdominal aorta by a syringe containing 0.1 ml of a 3.8% sodium citrate solution.

The blood sample is processed as follows: 60 μl of (final 0.1-1 mg/ml) a suspended solution of opsonized zymosan in Hank's buffer is added to the preincubated whole blood (540 μl) for 5 minutes at 37° C., and the resulting mixture is incubated for 30 minutes at the same temperature. The reaction is terminated by immersing the test tube into ice water. The reaction mixture is then centrifuged at 3,000 rpm for 10 minutes at 4° C. Twenty (20) μl each of the resulting supernatant (the Sample) is measured for elastase activity.

The mixture consisting of the following components is incubated for 24 hours at 37° C., and then optical density is measured at 405 nm:

0.2 M tris-HCl buffer (pH 8.0) 100 μl  2.5 M NaCl 40 μl Distilled water 36 μl 50 mM solution of a substrate(*)  4 μl The Sample 20 μl *N-Methylsuccinyl-Ala-Ala-Pro-Val-p-nitroanilide; SEQ ID NO: 1

A test sample mixed with 1-methyl-2-pyrrolidone instead of the substrate is regarded as Substrate (−). A test sample mixed with saline instead of the Sample is regarded as Blank. The remaining elastase activity in the Sample is calculated according to the following:

optical density of Substrate (+)−(optical density of Substrate (−)+optical density of Blank)

as a total production of p-nitroaniline over 24 hours based on a standard curve for the amount of p-nitroaniline.

An average activity is calculated based on the test sample of 5-6 animals. An agent at 3, 10 or 30 mg/kg is orally given by a forced administration to a 24 hour fasted animal at 60 minutes before the blood sampling. Optical density is measured by SPECTRA MAX 250 (Molecular Devices).

                   #             SEQUENCE LISTING <160> NUMBER OF SEQ ID NOS: 1 <210> SEQ ID NO 1 <211> LENGTH: 4 <212> TYPE: PRT <213> ORGANISM: Artificial Sequence <220> FEATURE: <221> NAME/KEY: BLOCKED <222> LOCATION: (0)...(0) <223> OTHER INFORMATION: Sequence is a known co #mmercially available       substrate for elastases <221> NAME/KEY: BLOCKED <222> LOCATION: (1)...(1) <223> OTHER INFORMATION: N-terminal Msu <221> NAME/KEY: BLOCKED <222> LOCATION: (4)...(4) <223> OTHER INFORMATION: C-terminal pNA <400> SEQUENCE: 1 Ala Ala Pro Val  1 

We claim:
 1. A method of preparing a compound of the formula (A):

wherein R₁ is alkyl or alkenyl optionally substituted with 1-3 halo or hydroxyl; -alkyl-C(O)OCH₃; alkylamino, dialkylamino, alkyldialkylamino; or cycloalkyl, alkylcycloalkyl,alkenylcycloalkyl, (C₅-C₁₂)aryl, (C₅-C₁₂)arylalkyl, (C₅-C₁₂)arylalkenyl, fused(C₅-C₁₂)aryl-cycloalkyl or fused(C₅-C₁₂)aryl-cycloalkylalkyl optionally comprising 1-4 heteroatoms selected from N, O, and S, and optionally substituted with halo, cyano, nitro, hydroxyl, haloalkyl, amino, aminoalkyl, dialkylamino, alkyl, alkenyl, alkylenedioxy, alkynyl, alkoxy, haloalkoxy, carboxyl, carboalkoxy, alkylcarboxamide, (C₅-C₆)aryl, —O—(C₅-C₆)aryl, (C₅-C₆)arylcarboxamido, alkylthio or haloalkylthio; X and Y are independently O, S, or N, wherein N is optionally substituted with alkyl or alkynyl optionally substituted with 1-3 halo atoms; (C₅-C₆)aryl, (C₅-C₆)arylalkyl or (C₅-C₆)arylalkenyl optionally comprising 1-3 heteroatoms selected from N, O, and S, and optionally substituted with halo, cyano, nitro, hydroxyl, haloalkyl, amino, aminoalkyl, dialkylamino, alkyl, alkenyl, alkynyl, alkoxy, haloalkoxy, carboxyl, carboalkoxy, alkylcarboxamide, (C₅-C₆)arylcarboxamide, alkylthio or haloalkylthio; and R₁ and R₃ are independently or together H; alkyl or alkenyl optionally substituted with 1-3 halo, hydroxyl, thio, alkylthio, amino, alkylamino, dialkylamino, alkylguanidinyl, dialkylguanidinyl, guanidinyl, or amidylguanidine; —RCOR′, —RCOOR′, —RNR′R″ R^(o) or —RC(O)NR′R′ where R is alkyl or alkenyl, and R′, R″ and R^(o) are independently H, alkyl, alkenyl, cycloalkyl or (C₅-C₆)aryl; or cycloalkyl, alkylcycloalkyl, alkenylcycloalkyl, alkyl-oxy(C₅-C₁₂)aryl, alkyl-thio(C₅-C₁₂)aryl, alkyl-amino(C₅-C₁₂)aryl, (C₅-C₁₂)aryl, (C₅-C₁₂)arylalkyl, or (C₅-C₁₂)arylalkenyl optionally comprising 1-4 heteroatoms selected from N, O and S, and optionally substituted with halo, cyano, keto, nitro, hydroxyl, haloalkyl, amino, aminoalkyl, dialkylamino, amidine, alkylamidine, dialkylamidine, alkyl, alkenyl, alkylenedioxy, alkynyl, alkoxy, haloalkoxy, carboxyl, carboalkoxy, alkylcarboxamide, (C₅-C₆)aryl, —O—(C₅-C₆)aryl, (C₅-C₆)arylcarboxamide, alkylthio, or haloalkylthio; Z′ is one of: A. a group of the formula

 wherein A is a direct bond, —C(O)—, —NH—C(O)—, —S(O)₂—, —NH—S(O)₂—, —OC(O)—, —CH₂— or an amino acid selected from proline, isoleucine, cyclohexylalanine, cysteine optionally substituted at the sulfur with alkyl, alkenyl or phenyl optionally substituted with halo, cyano, nitro, haloalkyl, amino, aminoalkyl, dialkylamino, alkoxy, haloalkoxy, carboxyl, carboalkoxy, alkylcarboxamide, (C₅-C₆)arylcarboxamide, alkylthio or haloalkylthio; phenylalanine, homo-phenylalanine, dehydrophenylalanine, indoline-2-carboxylic acid; tetrahydroisoquinoline-2-carboxylic acid optionally substituted with alkyl, alkenyl or phenyl optionally substituted with halo, cyano, nitro, haloalkyl, amino, aminoalkyl, dialkylamino, alkyl, alkoxy, haloalkoxy, carboxyl, carboalkoxy, alkylcarboxamide, (C₅-C₆)arylcarboxamide, alkylthio or haloalkylthio; tryptophan, tyrosine, serine or threonine optionally substituted with alkyl or (C₅-C₆)aryl; histidine, methionine, valine, norvaline, norleucine, octahydroindole-2-carboxylic acid; asparagine, glutamine, omithine and lysine optionally substituted at the side chain nitrogen with alkyl, alkenyl, alkynyl, alkoxyalkyl, alkylthioalkyl, alkylaminoalkyl, dialkylaminoalkyl, carboxyalkyl, alkoxycarbonyl alkyl or (C₅-C₁₂)aryl, (C₅-C₁₂)arylalkyl, cycloalkyl, alkylcycloalkyl, fused (C₅-C₁₂)aryl-cycloalkyl or alkyl fused (C₅-C₁₂)aryl-cycloalkyl optionally comprising 1 or more heteroatoms selected from N, O, and S; and R₄ is H, alkyl, alkenyl or a alkynyl; or cycloalkyl, (C₅-C₁₂)aryl, (C₅-C₁₂)arylalkyl, fused (C₅-C₁₂)aryl-cycloalkyl or fused (C₅-C₁₂)aryl-cycloalkylalkyl optionally comprising one or more heteroatoms selected from N, O, and S, and optionally substituted with alkyl, alkenyl, alkynyl, halo, cyano, nitro, hydroxyl, haloalkyl, alkoxy, amino, alkylamino, dialkylamino, carboxyl, haloalkoxy, carboalkoxy, alkylcarboxamide, (C₅-C₆)aryl, (C₅-C₅)arylalkyl, (C₅-C₆)arylcarboxamido, alkylthio or haloalkylthio or is absent; or B. a group of the following formula (I-VI)

 wherein W is as defined in section D, below; R′₂ and R′₃ are independently or together H; alkyl or alkenyl optionally substituted with 1-3 halo, hydroxyl, thio, alkylthio, amino, alkylamino, dialkylamino, alkylguanidinyl, dialkylguanidinyl, guanidinyl, or amidylguanidine; —RCOR′, —RCOOR′, —RNR′R″R^(o) or —RC(O)NR′R′ where R is alkyl or alkenyl, and R′, R″ and R^(o) are independently H, alkyl, alkenyl, cycloalkyl or (C₅-C₆)aryl; or cycloalkyl, alkylcycloalkyl, alkenylcycloalkyl, alkyl-oxy(C₅-C₁₂)aryl, alkyl-thio(C₅-C₁₂)aryl, alkyl-amino(C₅-C₁₂)aryl, (C₅-C₁₂)aryl, (C₅-C₁₂)arylalkyl or (C₅-C₁₂)arylalkenyl optionally comprising 1-4 heteroatoms selected from N, O and S, and optionally substituted with halo, cyano, keto, nitro, hydroxyl, haloalkyl, amino, aminoalkyl, dialkylamino, amidine, alkylamidine, dialkylamidine, alkyl, alkenyl, alkylenedioxy, alkynyl, alkoxy, haloalkoxy, carboxyl, carboalkoxy, alkylcarboxamide, (C₅-C₁₂)aryl, —O—(C₅-C₁₂)aryl, (C₅-C₁₂)arylcarboxamide, alkylthio or haloalkylthio; R₁₃ is H, alkyl, halo, alkoxy, carboalkoxy, carboxyl, alkylthio, amino, alkylamino, dialkylamino, or (C₅-C₁₂)aryl, (C₅-C₁₂)arylalkyl, cycloalkyl, alkylcycloalkyl, fused (C₅-C₁₂)aryl-cycloalkyl or fused (C₅-C₁₂)aryl-cycloalkyl optionally comprising 1 or more heteroatoms selected from O, N and S, and optionally substituted with halo or alkyl; R₁₄ is H, alkyl, alkenyl, amino, alkylamino, dialkylamino; or (C₅-C₁₂)aryl, (C₅-C₁₂)arylalkyl, cycloalkyl, alkylcycloalkyl, fused (C₅-C₁₂)aryl-cycloalkyl, alkyl fused (C₅-C₁₂)aryl-cycloalkyl, or (C₅-C₁₂)aryloxycarboxamide optionally comprising 1 or more heteroatoms selected from N, O and S, and optionally substituted with alkyl, halo, alkoxy, amino, alkylamino, dialkylamino, carboxyl, alkenyl, alkynyl, haloalkoxy, carboalkoxy, alkylcarboxamide, (C₅-C₆)aryl, (C₅-C₆)arylalkyl, (C₅-C₆)arylcarboxamide, alkylthio or haloalkylthio; and R₁₅ is H, alkyl, halo, alkoxy, carboalkoxy, carboxyl, alkylthio, amino, alkylamino, dialkylamino; or (C₅-C₁₂)aryl, (C₅-C₁₂)aryl-cycloalkyl optionally comprising 1 or more heteroatoms selected from O, N and S; C. a group of the formula

 where m is 0 or 1; n is 0 or 1; D is a direct bond or an amino acid selected from proline, isoleucine, cyclohexylalanine, cysteine optionally substituted at the sulfur with alkyl, alkenyl or phenyl optionally substituted with halo, cyano, nitro, haloalkyl, amino, aminoalkyl, dialkylamino, alkyl, alkoxy, haloalkoxy, carboxyl, carboalkoxy, alkylcarboxamide, (C₅-C₆)arylcarboxamide, alkylthio or haloalkylthio; phenylalanine, homo-phenylalanine, dehydrophenylalanine, indoline-2-carboxylic acid; tetrahydroisoquinoline-2-carboxylic acid optionally substituted with alkyl, alkenyl or phenyl optionally substituted with halo, cyano, nitro, haloalkyl, amino, aminoalkyl, dialkylamino, alkyl, alkoxy, haloalkoxy, carboxyl, carboalkoxy, alkylcarboxamide, (C₅-C₆)arylcarboxamide, alkylthio or haloalkylthio; tryptophan, tyrosine, serine or threonine optionally substituted with alkyl or (C₅-C₆)aryl; histidine, methionine, valine, norvaline, norleucine, octahydroindole-2-carboxylic acid, asparagine, glutamine, omithine and lysine optionally substituted at the side chain nitrogen with alkyl, alkenyl, alkynyl, alkoxyalkyl, alkylthioalkyl, alkylaminoalkyl, dialkylaminoalkyl, carboxyalkyl, alkoxycarbonyl alkyl, or (C₅-C₁₂)aryl, (C₅-C₁₂)arylalkyl, cycloalkyl, alkylcycloalkyl, fused (C₅-C₁₂)aryl-cycloalkyl or alkyl fused (C₅-C₁₂)aryl-cycloalkyl optionally comprising 1 or more heteroatoms selected from N, O and S; and A′ is a direct bond, —C(O)—, —NH—C(O)—, —S(O)₂—, —NH—S(O)₂—, —OC(O)— or —CH₂—; D. a group of the formula

 wherein W is S or O; R₈ is H, alkylamino, dialkylamino or amino; and R₉ is H, alkyl or halo; E. a group of the formula

 wherein R₁₀ is (C₅-C₆)aryl, (C₅-C₆)arylalkyl, (C₅-C₆)arylalkenyl, cycloalkyl, alkylcycloalkyl, fused (C₅-C₁₂)aryl-cycloalkyl or alkyl fused (C₅-C₁₂)aryl-cycloalkyl optionally comprising one or more heteroatoms selected from N, S and non-peroxide O, and optionally substituted with halo, cyano, nitro, haloalkyl, amino, aminoalkyl, dialkylamino, alkyl, alkenyl, alkynyl, alkoxy, haloalkoxy, carboxyl, carboalkoxy, alkylcarboxamide, alkylthio or haloalkylthio; and F. a group of the formula

 wherein R₁₁, R₁₂ and E together form a monocyclic or bicyclic ring comprising 5-10 atoms selected from C, N, S and O; said ring containing 1 or more keto groups; and optionally substituted with halo, cyano, nitro, haloalkyl, amino, aminoalkyl, dialkylamino, alkyl, alkenyl, alkynyl, alkoxy, haloalkoxy, carboxyl, carboalkoxy, alkylcarboxamide, alkylthio, haloalkylthio or cycloalkyl, alkylcycloalkyl, alkenylcycloalkyl, (C₅-C₁₂)aryl, (C₅-C₁₂)arylalkyl, ((C₅-C₁₂)arylalkyl)OC(O)NH— or (C₅-C₁₂)arylalkenyl optionally comprising one or more heteroatoms selected from N, S and non-peroxide O, and optionally substituted with halo, cyano, nitro, haloalkyl, amino, aminoalkyl, dialkylamino, alkyl, alkenyl, alkynyl, alkoxy, haloalkoxy, carboxyl, carboalkoxy, —C(O)O(alkyl), —C(O)(alkyl), alkylcarboxamide, alkylthio or haloalkylthio; the method comprising the steps of: (i) reacting a compound of formula (B):

 wherein M is Li or MgBr, with an aldehyde of formula (C):

 where PGr₁ is a protecting group to give an alcohol of formula (D):

(ii) removing the protecting group from the alcohol (D) (ii) coupling the alcohol obtained from step (ii) with an acid of formula (B): Z′—COOH  (E)  and (iv) either:  (a) oxidizing the alcohol moiety of the product of step (iii); or (b) oxidizing the alcohol moiety of the product of step (iii) and removing any other protecting group to yield the compound of the formula (A).
 2. The method of claim 1, wherein the protecting group [PGr₁] is removed from alcohol (D) in step (ii) by reacting the alcohol (D) with acid.
 3. The method of claim 2, wherein the protecting group [PGr₁] is Boc (t-butyloxycarbonyl).
 4. The method of claim 1, wherein the oxidation of step (iv) comprises treatment with Dess Martin reagent.
 5. The method of claim 1, wherein X is N, and Y is O, wherein the compound of formula (B) is synthesized by; (i) treating an acid of the formula (R₁)COOH with thionyl chloride or oxalyl chloride; (ii) treating the resulting acid chloride with hydrazine to yield a hydrazide of the formula (R₁)CONHNH₂; (iii) reacting the hydrazide with triethyl orthoformate or trimethyl orthoformate and TsOH to yield an oxadiazole of the formula (F):

 wherein X is N, and Y is O; and (iv) converting the oxadiazole of the formula (F) to the compound of formula B by either (a) treating the oxadiazole with butyllithium where M is Li; or (b) treating the oxadiazole with butyllithium and then MgBr₂.OEt₂ where M is MgBr.
 6. A method of synthesizing a compound of formula (G):

wherein T is H or NH₂; R₁ is alkyl or alkenyl optionally substituted with 1-3 halo or hydroxyl; a carboxylic acid ester; alkylamino, dialkylamino, alkyldialkylamino; or cycloalkyl, alkylcycloalkyl, alkenylcycloalkyl, (C₅-C₁₂)aryl, (C₅-C₁₂)arylalkyl, (C₅-C₁₂)arylalkenyl, fused (C₅-C₁₂)aryl-cycloalkyl or fused (C₅-C₁₂)arylcycloalkylalkyl optionally comprising 1-4 heteroatoms selected from N, O and S, and optionally substituted with halo, cyano, nitro, hydroxyl, haloalkyl, amino, aminoalkyl, dialkylamino, alkyl, alkenyl, alkylenedioxy, alkynyl, alkoxy, haloalkoxy, carboxyl, carboalkoxy, alkylcarboxamide, (C₅-C₆)aryl, —O—(C₅-C₆)aryl, (C₅-C₆)arylcarboxamide, alkylthio or haloalkylthio; and Ar is an (C₅-C₁₂)aryl or (C₅-C₁₂)arylalkyl optionally substituted with H, alkyl, amino, alkylamino, dialkylamino, halo or hydroxyl; comprising the steps of: (i) acting a compound of formula (B):

 wherein M is Li or MgBr, with an aldehyde of formula (C);

 where [PGr₁] is a protecting group to give an alcohol of formula (D):

(ii) removing the protecting group [PGr₁] from the alcohol (D); (iii) coupling the alcohol (D) with an acid of formula (H):

 wherein T′ is H or [PGr₂]NH, where [PGr₂] is a protecting group; and (iv) converting the product of step (iii) to the compound of formula (G) by either: (a) oxidizing the alcohol moiety of the product of step (iii) wherein T′ is H; or (b) oxidizing the alcohol moiety of the product of step (iii) and removing the protecting group [PGr₂] wherein T′ is [PGr₂]NH.
 7. The method of claim 6, wherein the removal of the protecting group [PGr₁] of step (ii) comprises treatment with acid.
 8. The method of claim 7, wherein the protecting group [PGr₁] is Boc (t-butyloxycarbonyl).
 9. The method of claim 6, wherein the oxidizing of step (iv) comprises treatment with Dess-Martin reagent.
 10. The method of claim 6, wherein the oxidizing of step (iv) is conducted under Swern oxidation conditions.
 11. The method of claim 6, wherein T′ is [PGr₂]NH, and the converting of step (iv) is according to (iv)(b).
 12. The method of claim 11, wherein T′ is CBzNH (carbobenzyloxyamino) and the conversion of step (iv)(b) comprises oxidation to yield a ketone of the formula (J)

and hydrolyzing the CBzNH group with aluminum trichloride in the presence of anisole.
 13. The method of claim 6, wherein the compound of formula (B) is synthesized by: (i) treating an acid of the formula (R₁)COOH with thionyl chloride or oxalyl chloride; (ii) treating the resulting acid chloride with hydrazine to yield a hydrazide of the formula (R₁)CONHNH₂; (iii) reacting the hydrazide with triethyl orthoformate or trimethyl orthoformate and TsOH to yield an oxadiazole of the formula (F):

 wherein X is N, and Y is O; and (iv) converting the oxadiazole of the formula (F) to the compound of formula B by either (a) treating the oxadiazole with butyllithium where M is Li; or (b) treating the oxadiazole with butyllithium and then MgBr₂.OEt₂ where M is MgBr.
 14. A method according to claim 6 of synthesizing a compound of formula (G):

wherein R₁ is the carboxylic acid ester -alkyl-C(O)OCH₃. 